Iran Deploys IRGC Commanders to Yemen to Strengthen Houthis

Iran deployed between 10 and 21 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders, military advisers, missile and drone components, and gold to Yemen via a Mahan Air flight on July 13. The aircraft originally targeted Sana'a but diverted to Hodeidah after Saudi-backed government forces attacked the Sana'a airport.

The shipment intended to provide training on new missile systems and fund Houthi activities. Within three days of the arrival, Iran reportedly instructed the Houthis to prepare to close Red Sea oil routes if the United States attacked Iranian infrastructure. In response, the Houthis announced a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia and claimed responsibility for attacking two Saudi oil tankers, effectively ending a four-year truce between the group and Riyadh.

Yemen's Information Minister confirmed the transfer of personnel and equipment to threaten maritime security. Conversely, the Iranian Foreign Ministry claimed the flight was intended only to return a Houthi delegation and medical patients from Tehran.