al-Houthi to British “ITV” Network: U.S. & Israeli calls to change Iran’s regime are doomed to fail
Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, member of the Supreme Political Council, affirmed that U.S. and Israeli calls to change the regime in Iran are bound to fail.
In an interview with the British ITV network, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi explained that such calls have actually strengthened the Iranian people’s rallying around their regime more than ever, according to recent surveys.
He said, “The survival of the current Iranian leadership is a positive outcome for its people and nation because it is based on genuine popular support,” noting that the current regional developments are shaped by the U.S. stance, whether through escalation or containment, while Iran and the Axis of Resistance are pursuing legitimate self-defense.
The Supreme Political Council member described the Yemeni-Iranian relationship as fraternal, bound by religious ties, as highlighted by the Leader of the Revolution, Sayyed Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, in his recent speeches.
Mohammed Ali al-Houthi also addressed the problems and suffering of the region’s peoples caused by the hostile policies of the U.S., Israel, and Britain, as well as the deceptive diplomacy the U.S. practiced with Iran during talks, which the world witnessed. He highlighted positive stances by some countries and global powers toward the U.S. and Israeli aggression against Iran, contrasting them with the positions and roles of the Gulf states in this aggression.
Below is the full interview:
ITV Reporter: Regarding the broader conflict and diplomacy, how does Ansar Allah assess the prospects for a negotiated agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States?
al-Houthi: The problem lies in the U.S. aggression, which has no justification. America should stop the aggression targeting the Iranian people, which threatens regional security , stability and affects economic interests globally. The Iranians engaged in indirect dialogue with the U.S. based on the principle of diplomacy, and they say they were deceived twice—an outcome the world witnessed—since the aggression occurred during the talks. One can refer to the statements of the Omani Foreign Minister, who acted as a mediator in this process.
ITV Reporter: Does Ansar Allah see the current trajectory of the conflict as likely to escalate further or lead to a final containment?
al-Houthi: That depends on the U.S. stance, because Iran and the Axis of Resistance are focused on legitimate self-defense.
ITV Reporter: In this context, how does Ansar Allah define a successful outcome of the conflict?
al-Houthi: The Jews are leading the world toward destruction and using the U.S. to achieve their goals. America should consider its own interests in the region and abandon the aggressive approach dictated by Zionism, which would benefit both the U.S., the region, and the world.
ITV Reporter: Regarding relations with Iran, how have Ansar Allah’s ties with Tehran developed since the start of the current war?
al-Houthi: The relationship is fraternal and Islamic. The Leader, Sayyed Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, spoke about this in his recent speeches and clarified what you asked about.
ITV Reporter: To what extent are Ansar Allah’s strategic decisions coordinated with Iran, and in which areas does the movement act independently?
al-Houthi: We act independently. I have previously stated in interviews, including during the Israeli aggression on Al-Mayadeen TV and elsewhere, that any targeting of an Arab or Islamic state will be met with support—even if it is Saudi Arabia attacking us. Yemen makes its own decisions and aligns with Iran and the Axis of Resistance in a liberation-oriented direction and fraternal relationship.
ITV Reporter: Regarding participation in the conflict, Ansar Allah has not yet entered direct confrontation with the U.S. or Israel. What considerations underpin this stance?
al-Houthi: The problem is the U.S. position, which serves Zionism instead of U.S. interests. It effectively adopted the “Israel First” principle over “America First,” creating regional problems and abandoning dialogue and peace in favor of aggression against Iran, claiming it would be a swift operation, as seen in Venezuela. Reviewing Trump’s statements reveals facts that confirm what I have stated here.
ITV Reporter: Under what circumstances might Ansar Allah reconsider its current position?
al-Houthi: The U.S. must reconsider its stance because it blindly serves Zionism and harms the peoples and interests of the region.
ITV Reporter: Does Ansar Allah see itself as closer to direct intervention than ever before?
al-Houthi: Yemen is more concerned about the region than the U.S., because Yemen is part of the regional peoples, while America came from across the globe to interfere aggressively in regional affairs.
ITV Reporter: Is Ansar Allah currently considering offensive action against commercial ships in the Bab al-Mandab Strait or other maritime routes?
al-Houthi: Yemen acts according to its responsibilities to maintain Red Sea security, which is threatened by aggressive military operations from the U.S. and Israel.
ITV Reporter: How does Ansar Allah respond to criticism regarding the impact of previous maritime operations on global trade and civilian livelihoods?
al-Houthi: The U.S. and Israel are the source of threats to trade and maritime navigation. They incite wars and target civilians, cities, and peoples in our region with all kinds of crimes, as they have done in Yemen, Palestine, Iran, and elsewhere. Their actions are terrorism and unrestrained violence.
ITV Reporter: How does Ansar Allah interpret the U.K.’s position, particularly describing its actions as defensive during military operations?
al-Houthi: The situation will be assessed based on evolving events and each new incident.
ITV Reporter: What message does Ansar Allah wish to convey regarding the stance of Gulf countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, in light of recent developments?
al-Houthi: They should have prevented aggressive operations from their lands , airspace, as Spain, Italy, and France did.
ITV Reporter: What is Ansar Allah’s message to civilians in the region and beyond whose lives and livelihoods have been affected by the conflict?
al-Houthi: They should know that their problem lies in the hostile policies of the U.S., Israel, and Britain, which drive the events of this world, and we hold them accountable.