In response to intensified U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen, Iran has reportedly ordered the withdrawal of its military personnel from the country. This strategic shift follows a series of U.S. military actions aimed at curbing the influence of Iran-backed groups in the region
The U.S. initiated a robust airstrike campaign against the Houthi rebels on March 15, 2025, employing cruise missiles and fighter jets from the USS Harry S. Truman. The operation targeted key Houthi infrastructure, including bases, leadership figures, and missile defense systems, with the stated goal of securing maritime interests and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.
These developments have heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, condemned the U.S. strikes as a “crime that must be stopped,” emphasizing the need to prevent further aggression.
The withdrawal of Iranian military personnel from Yemen is viewed as a significant recalibration of Tehran’s regional strategy, reflecting its response to increased U.S. military pressure and the potential for broader conflict.