Iranian Revolutionary Guard experts land in Hodeidah, prompting US warning

Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) specialists arrived at Hodeidah airport in western Yemen, bringing expertise in operating unmanned aerial vehicles, missile systems, explosive boats and naval mines to the Houthis. Yemeni authorities and international observers said the flight, presented as a humanitarian mission, violated UN Security Council resolution 2216 that bans arms transfers to the militia.

The United States publicly accused Iran of using civilian flights to transport military personnel and equipment, warning that the enhanced capabilities could threaten commercial navigation through the Red Sea and Bab al‑Mandeb. Iran’s leadership warned of targeting energy export routes, while Saudi Arabia condemned the escalation and called for stronger international action against the Iranian‑backed Houthis.