Iran Secretly Flies Revolutionary Guards Commanders and Weapons to Yemen’s Houthi Rebels

On July 13, a covert flight operated by Iran’s Mahan Air transported between 10 and 21 senior commanders from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards along with advanced military equipment to Yemen. The plane, originally destined for Sanaa, was diverted to the port city of Hodeidah following attacks on the aircraft. This operation aimed to significantly enhance the Houthis’ missile and drone capabilities, enabling them to threaten vital international shipping routes in the Red Sea.

The Iranian commanders were sent to train Houthi forces in operating the new weaponry, while the shipment also included gold to finance the group’s activities. This move underscores Iran’s deep commitment to supporting its Yemeni proxy both militarily and financially. Despite denials from Houthi media figure Abdulrahman al-Ahnoumi, who claimed all passengers were civilians, Yemen’s Saudi-backed government confirmed the presence of Revolutionary Guards commanders on the flight.

The Yemeni government warned that Iran is preparing the Houthis to disrupt or block international shipping through the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This escalation comes amid rising regional tensions and recent intelligence breaches that led to the killing of senior Houthi leaders, possibly prompting Iran to bolster the group’s operational capabilities and morale.

Internationally, this development coincides with sensitive U.S.-Iran diplomatic talks, with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening military action if negotiations fail. The enhanced Houthi threat to maritime security has already forced shipping companies to reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, highlighting the strategic impact of Iran’s support for the Houthis.