Iran Flies Revolutionary Guards Commanders to Yemen, Escalating Saudi-Houthi Conflict

Reuters reported that on July 13, Iran secretly flew senior commanders of its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with military advisors and missile and drone-related equipment, from Tehran to Yemen. This flight broke the long-standing Saudi-enforced air blockade on the Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. Despite Saudi fighter jets bombing the Sana'a airport to prevent the landing, the plane successfully touched down in the city of Hudaydah.

The flight reignited tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi movement. While the Houthis claimed the plane carried wounded patients returning from treatment, Arab media suggested it transported Houthi leaders attending the funeral of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Two Iranian sources confirmed to Reuters that between 10 and 21 IRGC members, including senior commanders, were aboard.

Approximately three days after the arrival of these Iranian officials, Tehran instructed the Houthis to prepare for a blockade of the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Within a week, the Houthis reportedly launched an attack on a Saudi oil tanker in the strait, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The Reuters report implies that the Iranian commanders on the flight may have been directing or influencing these Houthi operations against Saudi interests.