Yemen warns of "dire consequences" if Houthis intervene in Israel-Iran war

Yemen's internationally recognized government warned on Wednesday of "dire consequences" for the country if the Houthi group intervenes militarily in the conflict between Israel and Iran.

The official Yemeni news agency, Saba, reported that Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi held a meeting in the interim capital, Aden, with the Economic and Humanitarian Crisis Management Committee, in the presence of Prime Minister Salem Saleh bin Braik, Foreign Minister Shaye' al-Zindani, and a number of officials.

The meeting discussed "the latest political, economic, service, and humanitarian developments, as well as regional developments in light of the Israeli-Iranian military escalation and its repercussions on Yemeni and regional security and the country's living conditions."

The meeting reviewed "an assessment of the situation regarding developments in the Israeli-Iranian war, its potential repercussions for regional and international peace and security, and the security, economic, and humanitarian conditions in Yemen."

On Tuesday, the Houthi group announced increased security readiness in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, and the governorates under its control to confront any potential threats from Israel.

The Yemeni government warned the "terrorist Houthi militia against continuing to drag Yemen and its people into destructive regional conflicts (the Israel-Iran war)," according to the agency.

The legitimate government held the Houthi group "fully responsible for the dire consequences and repercussions of any additional reckless actions launched from Yemeni territory, which would plunge the country into further crises, including the increased militarization of waterways, threatening food security and the remaining livelihood opportunities, and exacerbating the humanitarian suffering of the Yemeni people."

Since dawn on June 13, Israel, with US support, has launched an aggression against Iran, including bombing nuclear facilities and missile bases, and assassinating military leaders and nuclear scientists. The attack has left 224 dead and 1,277 wounded. Tehran has responded with ballistic missiles and drones, leaving approximately 24 dead and hundreds wounded.

The risk of an escalation of the conflict looms, with Western and Israeli reports suggesting the United States could join Israel in its aggression against Iran. This coincides with statements by US President Donald Trump calling on Tehran to "surrender unconditionally" and threatening to target Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.