Iran calls for US to withdraw support for Israeli strikes on Yemen
GuardianMAY 11
Israel Strikes Yemen's Main Airport in Sanaa
Above: Heavily damaged aircraft are seen at Sanaa International Airport following an Israeli airstrike targeting the airport in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, which is under the control of Iran-backed Houthi rebels, on May 6, 2025. Image copyright: Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
The strikes represent a necessary and proportionate response to protect Israeli civilians from Houthi aggression. The targeted facilities were being used as central hubs for transferring weapons and operatives, enabling terrorist activities against Israel. The precision strikes, preceded by civilian evacuation warnings, demonstrate Israel's commitment to minimizing civilian casualties while defending its territory.
Anti-Israel narrative
The Israeli attacks constitute an unjustified aggression against Yemen's civilian infrastructure, causing widespread destruction and humanitarian impact. The strikes on airports, ports, and factories primarily affect ordinary Yemenis, destroying vital facilities and threatening thousands of jobs. These attacks represent collective punishment and will only escalate regional tensions while failing to deter support for Palestinians in Gaza.