EXCLUSIVE: Iran flew IRGC commanders, missile gear to Yemen's Houthis, sources say

EXCLUSIVE: Iran flew IRGC commanders and missile-related equipment to Yemen’s Houthis, according to Reuters sources, signaling an effort to increase the Houthis’ ability to threaten Red Sea shipping. Four sources, including two Iranian contacts, Yemeni information minister Moammar al-Iryani, and a regional security analyst, said Iran transferred IRGC personnel and military gear on a flight from Tehran on July 13. Reuters reported that between 10 and 21 IRGC personnel, including senior commanders, were on Mahan Air, originally bound for Sanaa but diverted to Hodeidah after an airport attack. One source said the aim was to support Houthi operations and train on new missile systems, with gold also sent to fund activity. The move follows related escalations: a three-day post-arrival push to close the Red Sea oil route and a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia announced after the July 13 Sanaa airport bombing.