CENTCOM Applauds Yemeni Forces for Seizing Iranian Weapons Shipment to Houthis

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is praising Yemeni National Resistance Forces (NRF) for successfully intercepting one of the largest illegal Iranian weapons shipments in history, destined for the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.

The seized cargo included over 750 tons of advanced weapons and military hardware, ranging from cruise missiles and anti-ship weaponry to drone engines and radar systems a devastating cache that underscores Iran’s ongoing role as the most destabilizing force in the Middle East.

“Congratulations to the Yemeni National Resistance Forces… for the largest seizure of Iranian advanced conventional weapons in their history,” CENTCOM wrote on X.

Led by Gen. Tareq Saleh, the NRF seized the weapons before they could reach the Houthis, who have terrorized shipping lanes and launched drone and missile attacks on U.S. forces and allied interests in the region.

Among the intercepted material:

• Hundreds of advanced cruise, anti-ship, and anti-aircraft missiles

• Warheads, seekers, air defense components, and communications gear

• Manuals written in Farsi, linking the shipment directly to Iran’s Ministry of Defense, a sanctioned entity under U.S. law

According to CENTCOM, the weapons were clearly intended to bolster the Houthis’ escalating regional aggression, which now includes collaboration with Russia.

Earlier this year, a leaked intelligence source revealed that Russia was attempting to arm the Houthis with Yakhont supersonic anti-ship missiles with Iran brokering the deal behind the scenes to maintain deniability.

“Russia is negotiating with the Houthis… The Iranians are brokering the talks but do not want to have their signature over it,” a source told Reuters.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a clear warning to Tehran in May “We see your LETHAL support to The Houthis… You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing.”

This latest interdiction proves just how close Iran is to lighting a wider regional fire and how critical U.S. allies on the ground are in stopping it.

“The interdiction of this massive Iranian shipment shows that Iran remains the most destabilizing actor in the region,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM.
“Limiting the free flow of Iranian support to the Houthis is critical to regional security, stability, and freedom of navigation.”

The seizure is a major win for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, revealing the effectiveness of America’s partnerships with legitimate Yemeni forces and the continuing threat posed by a rogue regime in Tehran that is more than willing to flood terrorist proxies with high-tech weapons.

In an era when the Biden administration has gone soft on Iran and slow-walked action in the region, this operation driven by clear intelligence and decisive ground support reminds the world what true deterrence looks like.

Share this critical update and subscribe to our newsletter for more real stories from the front lines of national defense.