Iran playing no role in Yemen fighting, Baqaei says
Iran "does not interfere in Yemeni affairs," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said in his Monday press conference, saying Iran has "no relations whatsoever with what is unfolding in Yemen."
Iran has long maintained a military and political relationship with the Houthis, with its adversaries accusing Tehran of training, funding and arming the Yemeni group as part of its so-called "Axis of Resistance."
Analysts have attributed Iranian assistance for the growth in scale and sophistication of the Houthi ballistic missile and drone arsenals, in particular.

Last week saw the start of a new round of intense fighting on Yemen's western Red Sea coast, between the Houthis and forces loyal to the Saudi-backed internationally-recognized Yemeni government.
Fighting was continuing as of Monday, according to reports. Clashes were reportedly ongoing in the area on the mainland near Perim Island, which sits in the middle of the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
-ABC News' Victoria Beaule




