Iran is facing fresh allegations of deploying senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders, military advisers, and missile and drone equipment to Yemen in an effort to strengthen the military capabilities of the Houthi movement.
According to four sources familiar with the operation, including two Iranian officials, Yemen’s Information Minister Moammar al-Iryani, and regional security analyst Mzahem Alsaloum, the personnel and equipment were transported aboard a Mahan Air flight that departed Tehran on July 13. The aircraft, which was initially scheduled to land in Sanaa, reportedly diverted to Hodeidah after an attack on Sanaa Airport.
Sources claimed that between 10 and 21 IRGC personnel, including senior commanders, were on board the flight to provide training on advanced missile systems. They also alleged that Iran transported gold to finance Houthi operations.
Iran has consistently denied supplying the Houthis with missile capabilities or directing the group’s military activities, while the Houthis dismissed the allegations, insisting the flight carried only civilian passengers.
The reported deployment comes amid renewed tensions in the Red Sea. Days after the flight arrived, the Houthis announced a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia and later claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, further escalating security concerns in one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
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Yemen’s Information Minister said intelligence gathered by the Saudi-backed government supports claims that the IRGC personnel were deployed to improve Houthi military capabilities and increase threats to international shipping through the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Security analyst Mzahem Alsaloum also alleged that the aircraft transported components for short- and medium-range missiles as well as drone systems similar to those previously used in attacks against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei maintained that the July 13 flight was intended to return a Houthi delegation and Yemeni citizens who had travelled to Iran for the funeral of the country’s late Supreme Leader and for medical treatment. However, sources insist the return flight also carried military personnel and equipment.
The latest allegations add to growing concerns over Iran’s alleged support for the Houthis as regional tensions continue to rise across the Middle East.
