Iran, August 3-2025 — In an impressive display of solidarity, 150 Iranian lawmakers issued a joint statement commending Yemeni fighters, declaring them to be on “the right side of history” through their operations inspired by pro-Palestinian sentiment and opposition to U.S. and Israeli policies.
IRNA news agency issued a statement commending Yemeni combatants for their “bravery, courage, resistance and valor” in confronting what Iranian MPs described as the “criminal United States and child-killing Israeli regime”. JNS.org WON +3 IRNA English
Lawmakers from both Iran and Yemen emphasized their shared ideological commitment, declaring the relationship part of an “Resistance Axis” spanning Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
“We, as representatives of Iran’s great and courageous nation, take immense pride in you, Yemen’s courageous fighters,” read the statement from Iran. They acknowledged how their actions had placed them “on history’s righteous path” and pledged their alliance with Iran as “unbreakable.” In total IRNA English.
Yemen’s Armed Forces–comprising Houthi militants–have in recent months conducted operations targeting Israeli-occupied territories and maritime vessels headed toward Israel, in what Iran describes as part of Yemen’s solidarity with Gaza Palestinians and resistance to Israeli military operations.
Iran’s praise of Yemeni fighters comes with wider geopolitical implications. Iran has long supported the Houthi movement since their takeover of Sana’a in 2014, providing financial, military, political, weaponry, training and financial assistance. Iran recognized Houthi Supreme Political Council as Yemen’s legitimate governing authority in 2019–making Iran the only country to recognize them as such (IRNA English/The Atlantic, 4/4/2019).
These relationships have allowed Iran to strengthen the capabilities of the Houthis, such as their use of drones and missiles in attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab strait, disrupting global trade routes while heightening tensions on international shipping lanes, such as those located around The Atlantic (Wikipedia).
Critics argue that Iran’s official support of the Houthis undermines its moral authority, with supporting proxy groups across the Middle East even as Tehran proclaims itself to be fighting oppression. Yet Iranian lawmakers see Yemeni fighters’ actions as reflective of resistance ideology and regional solidarity – making them heroes against US and Israeli aggression.
IRNA English also reported on their statement, which stated “We believe that Zionist tyranny will end with total destruction”, providing an explicit representation of their position regarding Israel-Palestine conflict as well as alignment with armed solidarity among regional allies.
Current announcement appears aimed at reinforcing Iran’s leadership position within the so-called Resistance Axis. While Shiite Islamist in ideology, Houthi movement does not appear formally tied to Tehran or benefiting directly from their support; suggesting its leadership enjoys some autonomy whilst reaping some benefit from Iranian support. (Wikipedia).
Iranian MPs’ expression of praise today comes at a time of increased regional tensions as the Gaza war drags on unabated. Their endorsement may embolden Yemen-based actor groups and signal Tehran’s intention to expand influence through proxy networks–especially given U.S. and Western criticism over Tehran’s regional posture.
As Yemen and Gaza clashes continue to play out across the Middle East, Iran’s lawmakers are framing them not just in national or sectarian terms but as part of a larger historical narrative where “resistance” as defined by Tehran is both justifiable and necessary.
Iranian officials continue to assert that sanctions and diplomatic isolation for its regional activities is unfair, yet these MPs’ comments show how Tehran consciously attempts to portray itself not as an outcast but as a microcosm of resistance against Western hegemony and Israeli aggression.
Key Points:
Iranian MPs issued a joint statement backing Yemeni rebel fighters as an expression of righteous resistance against U.S. and Israel interference.
The declaration, signed by 150 lawmakers from Yemen’s legislature, honors Yemen’s pro-Palestinian actions as an act of historical valor.
Tehran has long provided support to the Houthi movement with training, weapons and political recognition.
Critics question Iran’s moral standing due to its support across the region for proxy groups such as Hezbollah.
Iran has used coordinated political messaging to demonstrate their strategy of building ideological and proxy alliances to advance regional ambitions.