Urgent.News

What's breaking now, across thousands of outlets.

World

Iran protests as US prevents its nuclear chief attending IAEA meeting

By Francois Murphy VIENNA, Sept 14 (Reuters) - The United States blocked Iran's nuclear chief from attending this week's U.N. atomic watchdog meeting in Vienna by opposing an exemption from so-called "snapback" U.N. sanctions, prompting protests from Tehran on Monday. Iranian nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami had been due to attend and address this week's International Atomic Energy Agency General…

In recent events, Iran's involvement in the Houthi offensive in Yemen has come to light following the rebels' seizure of the Red Sea coast. Sources in Tehran, Aden, and Cairo revealed a plan by Iran to use the conflict as a pressure point against the US. The central figure in this operation is Abdul Reza Shahlai, a high-ranking commander in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force, also known as the Shadow Man.

The US has offered a reward of up to $15 million for information on his activities. Shahlai was present at the ground and directly involved in the offensive. Other IRGC operatives also played a role in overseeing the operations. The latest escalation began in July, following Saudi aggression against Sanaa airport, with many operatives arriving on a Mahan flight.

The Houthi advance along Yemen's Red Sea coast was carried out with direct guidance from the IRGC, aiming to open another front in Iran's war with the US. This operation enables the Houthis to seize Yemen's western coast, including the strategic island of Perim, which divides Bab Al Mandeb, a crucial maritime chokepoint. Iran, as the main supporter of the Houthis, benefits the most from this development.

Iran's involvement in Yemen coincides with stalled US-Iran talks and Iran's economic pressure. The Yemen and Iran files are closely interconnected, with both countries' coordination increasing significantly since the war on Iran. Iran has effectively gained control over two of the world's most important straits by influencing the Houthis in their military operations and determining their targets.

Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

This story

This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.

Read the original at al-monitor.com →

More in World

Ukraine: AfD questions German aid, Berlin remains committed

Emboldened by its win in Saxony-Anhalt, the far-right Alternative for Germany wants the country to change its Ukraine and Russia policies.

  • AfD co-leader Alice Weidel criticizes German military aid to Ukraine
  • Germany remains committed to providing aid despite AfD opposition
  • Saxony-Anhalt election results show 60% of voters favor anti-Ukraine parties

More from Monday 14 September →