Iran’s Revolutionary Guards gave direct guidance on the Houthi campaign that seized Red Sea port Mocha, tightening Bab el-Mandeb pressure, according to Yemeni government, Iranian, and regional sources cited by Reuters. The story is Iran and IRGC command and arms advice, not a fresh account of the port fall alone.
Two Iranian sources said Tehran last week urged Houthis to escalate attacks on Saudi Arabia and promised more funding, weapons, and senior officers. Five Yemeni military sources, citing intercepts and captured prisoners, said they believed Qods Force commander Abdolreza Shahlaei was directing the effort; Iranian sources could not confirm.
Iran publicly denies giving the Houthis military direction, saying they are “not a proxy.” A third Iranian official said Mocha was a Houthi rather than Iranian decision even as Tehran benefited via oil-price pressure, which conflicts with the multi-source IRGC claims. No verified weapons manifests are available.
Sources:Reuters, Sep. 10, 2026.
