Rashad al-Alimi, leader of Yemen's internationally recognized government, stated that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) plays an "increasing" role in guiding the Houthi movement. According to Saba News Agency, Alimi claimed that "dozens of experts" from the IRGC are involved in "planning and managing operations, developing missile and drone capabilities, and threatening international shipping." He added that the IRGC's relationship with the Houthis has gone beyond funding and weapons to "directly managing the war and threatening waterways." Iran has repeatedly denied providing direct military assistance to its allies, while the Houthis emphasize their independence from Tehran, despite their ideological alignment.