Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps acknowledges Houthi military ties and threats to Saudi Arabia

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has acknowledged its increasing military connection with the Houthi movement in Yemen, signaling a heightened level of regional tension. IRGC spokesperson Major General Hossein Mohebbi stated that Houthi military capabilities are growing daily and asserted that Saudi Arabia will be unable to contain the group or avoid its attacks.

This escalation follows reports of Houthi strikes against Saudi oil tankers and vessels in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced that the group has targeted eight Saudi oil ships and prevented 48 others from passing since declaring a maritime ban on Saudi shipping on July 20. The IRGC's statements suggest that Tehran views Houthi actions as a strategic tool for regional pressure, despite official Iranian denials of direct command over the group.