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Controversial statements: Tehran disavows Houthi attacks on international shipping
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Iran's claim of inability to control Houthi actions contradicts documented reports of ongoing military and financial support, raising questions about the true nature of Iran's position and its relatio

The Iranian President sparked wide controversy during his press conference on Monday with American media in New York, where he attempted to disavow his country's responsibility for the actions of the Houthis in Yemen.
The President stated that the Iranian government "does not seek to expand the war in the Middle East," claiming that the Houthis in Yemen "do not listen to orders from the Iranian government."
Bzeshkian claimed that the Houthi group in Yemen enjoys independence in decision-making and carrying out repeated attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, adding: "It's not that the Houthis are waiting in Yemen until we tell them what to do or not to do."
He continued: "Even within our country, there are those who disagree with us and have their own beliefs. We try to prevent extremism and reckless behavior within our country, so how can we control those outside who are motivated by their beliefs and feelings? They cannot listen to us."
These statements come at a time when the Houthis in Yemen are considered part of Tehran's proxy forces in the ongoing war in the Middle East, and receive financial and military support from the Iranian government, according to Western and regional intelligence reports.
According to the German news agency "Deutsche Welle," this group has so far launched dozens of attacks on ships passing through the Red Sea, including the oil tankers "Sunion," "Delta Blue," and "Delta Atlantica," which resulted in the sinking of at least two ships and the death of three crew members.
The agency reports that the Iranian-backed Houthi group, which controls the most populous areas in Yemen, continues to carry out drone and missile attacks on ships passing through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since the first weeks of the current war in Gaza, claiming support for the Palestinians.
In this context, studies conducted by prestigious American research centers pointed to the continuation of Iranian support for the Houthis, confirming that "the relationship between Iran and the Houthis goes beyond mere logistical support to reach the level of strategic coordination."
Iran's attempts to disavow responsibility for the Houthis' actions come at a time when international pressure on Tehran is increasing. On the other hand, Gulf diplomatic sources confirm that the Iranian President's statements do not reflect the reality on the ground, and that Iran bears full responsibility for destabilizing the region through its support for armed groups.
The developments highlight the complexities of the regional scene and raise questions about the future of Iranian influence in the region, especially in light of increasing international efforts to secure navigation in the Red Sea and protect global economic interests. Questions remain about the sincerity of Iranian statements and their impact on the course of events in the region.
Levant - Agencies
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BENEFIT Sponsors BuildHer...
- April 23, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”
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