US Condemns Iran for Sending Weapons to Yemen's Houthis

Houthi supporters hold up weapons during a protest against the US and Israel, and in solidarity with the Palestinian people, in Sanaa, Yemen, 05 July 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
Houthi supporters hold up weapons during a protest against the US and Israel, and in solidarity with the Palestinian people, in Sanaa, Yemen, 05 July 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
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US Condemns Iran for Sending Weapons to Yemen's Houthis

Houthi supporters hold up weapons during a protest against the US and Israel, and in solidarity with the Palestinian people, in Sanaa, Yemen, 05 July 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
Houthi supporters hold up weapons during a protest against the US and Israel, and in solidarity with the Palestinian people, in Sanaa, Yemen, 05 July 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB

The United States has again condemned Iran for illegally transferring weapons to the Houthi militias in Yemen, who have been attacking ships in the Red Sea to pressure Israel to halt its war against Hamas in Gaza.
US deputy ambassador Stephanie Sullivan said Monday that despite Iranian denials that it is providing weapons, “its own state affiliated media has touted the country’s supply of prohibited ballistic missile technology to the Houthis, something UN experts have concluded as well and published in their reports.”

Sullivan spoke after the UN Security Council unanimously approved a 12-month extension of the UN mission to support the December 2018 Hodeidah Agreement, which monitors the implementation of a cease-fire agreement in Yemen’s key port city of Hodeidah between the Houthis and the internationally recognized government.

Since November, the Houthis have targeted more than 60 vessels by firing missiles and drones, killing a total of four sailors, in support of the Palestinians in Gaza. A US-led airstrike campaign has targeted the Houthis since January, killing at least 16 people and wounding 42 others, the rebels say.

Britain’s UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward said Monday’s extension of the mandate allowing continued patrolling of the Red Sea ports of Hodeidah and the smaller ports of Salif and Ras Isa, and support for their demilitarization, “sends a clear message of the continued importance of the cease-fire in Hodeidah and the work to preserve it.”



France Says Algeria Threatening to Expel Diplomatic Staff 

This handout photograph released by French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) shows France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot meeting with Algeria's Foreign Minister at the ministry headquarters in Algiers on April 6, 2025. (AFP Photo / Handout / Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs)
This handout photograph released by French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) shows France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot meeting with Algeria's Foreign Minister at the ministry headquarters in Algiers on April 6, 2025. (AFP Photo / Handout / Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs)
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France Says Algeria Threatening to Expel Diplomatic Staff 

This handout photograph released by French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) shows France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot meeting with Algeria's Foreign Minister at the ministry headquarters in Algiers on April 6, 2025. (AFP Photo / Handout / Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs)
This handout photograph released by French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) shows France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot meeting with Algeria's Foreign Minister at the ministry headquarters in Algiers on April 6, 2025. (AFP Photo / Handout / Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs)

France said on Monday that Algeria had threatened to expel 12 of its diplomatic staff and that it would take immediate reprisals should that occur in the latest flare-up between them.

Algeria protested over the weekend against Frances's detention of an Algerian consular agent suspected of involvement in the kidnapping of an Algerian. French media said three people, including the diplomat, were under investigation over the seizure of Algerian government opponent Amir Boukhors.

"The Algerian authorities are demanding that 12 of our agents leave Algerian territory within 48 hours," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said in a statement.

"If the decision to expel our agents is maintained, we will have no choice but to respond immediately."

There was no immediate confirmation from Algeria of an imminent expulsion.

France's relations with its former colony have long been complicated, but took a turn for the worse last year when French President Emmanuel Macron angered Algeria by backing Morocco's position over the disputed Western Sahara region.

Only last week, Barrot had said ties were returning to normal after a visit to Algeria.