# US-Iran tensions over Houthi-Saudi conflict > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-iran-tensions-over-houthi-saudi-conflict > Updated: 2026-09-10T00:31:37.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated following the imposition of 36 new US sanctions targeting Iran’s aviation sector. These sanctions were introduced amid allegations from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Iran is the force behind Houthi rebel attacks on Saudi Arabian cities, including Abha and Najran. Rubio characterized the Houthis as “Iranian proxies and agents” following strikes that hit civilian populations and economic installations. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the sanctions, stating that decades of such measures have failed to meet US objectives and have damaged the American global reputation. Additionally, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei rejected the proxy allegations, asserting that the Houthi movement, or Ansarallah, is an “independent Yemeni actor” that “takes orders from no one.” Baghaei accused the United States of fueling regional instability through military presence and urged a return to diplomatic negotiations to achieve peace in Yemen. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Iran rejects US claims that Houthis act as Tehran proxies Iran has rejected US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s claims that Houthi rebels are Iranian proxies, calling the group an independent Yemeni actor and blaming US military presence for regional instability. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-rejects-us-claims-that-houthis-act-as-tehran-proxies ### 2026-09-08: US imposes new sanctions on Iran amid Houthi attack allegations US officials have imposed new aviation sanctions on Iran, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Iran of directing Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabian cities and infrastructure. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-imposes-new-sanctions-on-iran-amid-houthi-attack-allegations --- Cite as: US-Iran tensions over Houthi-Saudi conflict. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-iran-tensions-over-houthi-saudi-conflict