A covert operation by the Iranian regime was exposed, revealing that a secret flight departed Tehran on July 13, 2026, transporting between 10 and 21 high ranking Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders to Yemen. The flight carried advanced military hardware designed to dramatically enhance the missile and drone capabilities of Houthi forces. According to reports published by Reuters based on Iranian, Yemeni, and Houthi sources, the operation aims to increase threats against vital international shipping lanes in the Red Sea.
The flight, operated by Mahan Air, was forced to alter its flight path due to strikes targeting its planned destination. Instead of landing at Sanaa International Airport as originally scheduled, the aircraft was diverted to the coastal port city of Hodeidah in western Yemen. The tactical maneuver demonstrates Tehran's determination to reinforce its Yemeni proxy despite high operational risks.
Onboard the aircraft, Iranian authorities transferred advanced military hardware alongside expert personnel sent to train Houthi fighters in operating the newly arrived systems. The strategic objective focuses on providing Houthi units with upgraded technological capabilities to target commercial vessels traversing the Bab el Mandeb Strait.
In addition to weapons systems, the shipment included a substantial quantity of gold intended to directly fund Houthi operations. The financial and military transfer highlights Tehran's deep commitment to supporting its proxy network, maintaining the Houthis as a primary operational arm in regional maritime strategy.
Following the disclosure, Houthi media figure Abdul Rahman Al Ahnoomi denied the presence of Iranian officers on the aircraft. Al Ahnoomi claimed that he was a passenger on the flight and asserted that "all passengers were civilians." The denial comes as the group attempts to conceal the full extent of its dependence on Iranian military infrastructure.
Conversely, the Information Minister of the Saudi backed Yemeni government officially confirmed that Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders arrived on the flight. The minister warned that Iran is preparing Houthi forces to disrupt or block international maritime traffic across the Red Sea and Bab el Mandeb Strait.
The covert deployment coincides with ongoing diplomatic contacts between United States President Donald Trump and Iranian representatives, where Washington has maintained threats of renewed military action if diplomatic channels fail to secure regional maritime stability.
