Iran rejects US accusations of involvement in Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea

(Patria) - Iranian authorities yesterday rejected US accusations of involvement in recent attacks by Yemeni Houthi rebels on ships in the Red Sea.

- The resistance (armed groups fighting Israel) has its own forces and acts in accordance with its own decisions and capabilities - stated Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri to the local agency Mehr, reports AFP.

Bagheri reacted to Western claims that Tehran "informs Yemeni rebels about the location of American ships" in this way.

Head of Iranian diplomacy Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated earlier that the US had already asked Iran not to advise Yemeni rebels to act against American and Israeli interests in the region.

- We made it clear to the Americans that these groups acted in accordance with their own interests - said the Iranian minister, adding that Iran did not order the attacks, nor will it order them to stop.

Houthi rebels, who have had Iran's support for some time, claim to be acting in "support of Palestinians in the war against Israel".

In recent weeks, Houthis have attacked ships allegedly linked to Israel and transporting goods intended for that country.

The White House on Friday accused Iran of being "highly involved in planning" recent Houthi rebel attacks by providing them with "sophisticated military equipment and intelligence assistance".