Yemen's Houthi group on Thursday celebrated a recently-announced ceasefire agreement with the United States as a "victory for Yemen" while warning of a "devastating response" to Israel, according to the Houthi-run Saba News Agency.
During a meeting in Sanaa, members of the Houthi Supreme Political Council evaluated "developments related to U.S. President Donald Trump's ceasefire announcement" and expressed appreciation for "Oman's brotherly and responsible role" in facilitating the agreement.
The Houthi political council took a markedly different tone regarding Israel, warning that the group's "response to Israeli aggression will be devastating, with great momentum, and will be imminent."
"As long as the aggression and blockade on our people in Gaza continues, Yemen's supportive operations for Gaza will also continue and intensify until the aggression stops, and the siege is lifted, especially for the children who are now starving in Gaza," said Hazem Al-Asad, member of the Political Bureau of Ansar Allah.
On Tuesday, Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi said in a statement that his country has brokered a ceasefire between Yemen's Houthi group and the United States.
In Yemen, people have a wide range of opinions on this recent breakthrough.
Some see the deal as a chance to reduce foreign attacks, while others say it is not enough, as the blockade and humanitarian crisis continue.
"We hope the agreement between the United States and the Sana'a government will hold, and that the U.S. will not resume its attacks on Yemen. As a citizen, I see it as a potential step toward peace that could ease the suffering of the Yemeni people," said Alaa Saeed, a resident.
"The agreement between the United States and the Yemeni Armed Forces came at America's request after involving Oman as a mediator," said Hassan Al-Sawari, another resident.
Despite the agreement, a military spokesman for the Houthis said Yemeni forces will not hesitate to strike the United States if Washington resumes its attacks on Yemen.
US-Houthis ceasefire pact offers respite although Red Sea tensions unsolved
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
