Iran Threatens UK and Sends Revolutionary Guards Commanders with Weapons to Yemen

On Thursday afternoon, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a threat against the United Kingdom, stating that any British airbase used by the US for attacks on Iranian territory is a legitimate target. This statement followed US airstrikes launched from the Royal Air Force base at Fairford, UK, the previous day.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that in July, Iran transported IRGC commanders, military advisors, and missile and drone-related equipment to Yemen to bolster the Houthi rebels' capabilities to threaten maritime security in the Red Sea. Four sources, including two Iranian insiders, Yemen's Minister of Information Moammar Al-Eryani, and a regional security analyst, confirmed that on July 13, between 10 and 21 IRGC personnel, including senior commanders, flew on a Mahan Air flight originally destined for Sana'a but diverted to the port city of Hodeidah after an attack on Sana'a's airport by the Saudi-backed Yemeni government.

One source explained that the commanders were sent to support Houthi operations and provide training on new missile systems. Iran also reportedly sent gold on the flight to finance Houthi activities. This deployment underscores Tehran's ongoing efforts to strengthen the Houthis, who have been engaged in a decade-long civil war against Yemen's government and have launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Shortly after the commanders' arrival, the Houthis imposed a blockade on Saudi Arabia, targeting oil shipments through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, forcing Saudi vessels to reroute via the longer and costlier Suez Canal. Reuters further reported that three days after the Iranian flight, Tehran urged the Houthis to close the Red Sea oil route if the US attacked Iranian power infrastructure, threatening global energy supplies.

On Monday, the Houthis declared a maritime siege on Saudi Arabia in retaliation for the July 13 airport bombing. Today, they claimed attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. Yemen's Information Minister confirmed the IRGC's deployment and equipment transfer, stating their mission is to enhance militia military capabilities and threaten international maritime security in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Security analyst Mazahim Al-Saloum corroborated the arrival of IRGC experts and said the shipment included short- and medium-range missile components and drones similar to those used in past attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE. He also noted Iran sent military advisors to Yemen during last year's conflict with Israel via Somalia, a claim denied by Tehran.