Iran Sent IRGC Commanders and Missile Gear to Houthis as US Strikes Iran for 13th Straight Night

Iran flew Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders, military advisers and missile and drone equipment into Yemen this month, according to four sources familiar with the matter. The transfer, carried out on a Mahan Air flight from Tehran on July 13, appears aimed at strengthening the Houthi movement’s capacity to threaten shipping through the Red Sea.

Sources said between 10 and 21 IRGC personnel were aboard the flight, which was diverted to Hodeidah after Saudi-backed forces struck the airport in Sanaa. Yemen’s information minister and a regional security analyst separately confirmed the transfer, saying it was intended to bolster the group’s military capabilities. A Houthi official aboard the plane denied the claims, calling them fabricated.

Tensions Escalate in the Red Sea

Days after the flight arrived, the Houthis declared a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia and later claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, ending a four year truce with Riyadh.

US Continues Nightly Strikes on Iran

Separately, US Central Command confirmed a 13th consecutive night of strikes against Iranian military targets, saying the operations aim to hold Iran accountable and reduce threats to commercial shipping.