The United States and the United Kingdom carried out a series of strikes on Yemen targeting the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels. These rebels have engaged in aggressive actions against international shipping in the Red Sea. The Houthis, staunch supporters of the Palestinian Hamas group, have harshly denounced the attacks as "barbaric" and have vowed to continue targeting vessels en route to Israel. Israel has yet to respond to these events.
The international community's reaction to these attacks, which stand to exacerbate tensions in an already volatile region, has been varied and wide-ranging.
Iran condemned the strikes as an attempt by the US and UK to support the Zionist regime's alleged war crimes against Palestinians and the civilians in Gaza. The Iranian Foreign Ministry described the attacks as a blatant violation of Yemen's sovereignty and international law.
Saudi Arabia called for restraint and emphasized the need to maintain the Red Sea's security and stability, citing international demand for freedom of navigation.
Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi directly associated the heightened tension to Israeli actions in Gaza, urging the international community to take responsibility for the ongoing aggression and to prevent a potential regional war.
NATO spokesperson Dylan White described the strikes as defensive, aimed at preserving freedom of navigation and insisted that Houthi attacks must cease.
Hezbollah, the Lebanese ally of Iran and the Houthis, stated that the US aggression showcases a direct partnership with Israel on regional tragedies and massacres.
Hamas condemned the strikes, holding the US and UK accountable for the repercussions on regional security.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad called the escalation a "war of genocide" waged by the US against the Palestinian people and urged the Arab and Islamic nations to reject the aggression against Yemen.
Russia criticized the strikes as a distortion of UN Security Council resolutions, an act bearing no regard for international law, and further escalating regional tensions.
France reiterated its denunciation of Houthi attacks on Red Sea trade vessels and called for their immediate cessation.
Germany and Belgium expressed intentions to de-escalate tensions and restore stability, with Germany aiming to prevent further strikes, and Belgium seeking collaboration with EU and US partners to bolster security in the Red Sea.
The Netherlands justified the US-British action as based on self-defense and aimed at preserving free passage.
Denmark voiced full support for the US and UK strikes, reflecting a united stance with allied forces.
Oman, however, criticized the military action, indicating it went against their advice and could worsen an already dangerous situation.
US Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell welcomed President Biden's use of force against the Iranian proxies disrupting maritime commerce.
Democratic Representatives, Ro Khanna and Val Hoyle, raised constitutional concerns, asserting that the President should seek congressional approval for military interventions.
From the UK perspective, MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbot criticized the military action, Corbyn calling it an irresponsible escalation and Abbot disapproving of the UK government's absence of parliamentary approval for the offensive.
The array of responses reflects the complexities and the deep divisions concerning the conflict in Yemen and the ensuing regional power dynamics.
