Iran Sends IRGC Commanders and Missile Equipment to Yemen's Houthis

Iran transported Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders, military advisers and missile‑ and drone‑related components to Yemen on a July 13 Mahan Air flight from Tehran. The aircraft, originally destined for the Houthi‑controlled capital Sanaa, diverted to the Red Sea port of Hodeidah after Sanaa airport was struck. Sources said between 10 and 21 IRGC personnel, including senior commanders, were on board and that the cargo included missile parts, drones and gold intended to fund Houthi activities. The IRGC staff were said to be there to “support Houthi operations and provide training on new missile systems.”

Within days of the arrival, the Houthis announced a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia and warned they could close the Red Sea oil route if the United States targeted Iranian power infrastructure. The move marks the end of a four‑year truce between Riyadh and the Houthis and raises the threat to Red Sea shipping, a critical artery for global energy supplies. Iran has denied supplying missiles to the Houthis, and the Houthis claim they develop weapons independently.