The U.S. Department of State announced a sweeping set of new sanctions on Tuesday targeting a sprawling illicit finance network supporting the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen.
The action, aimed at cutting off the Houthis’ global supply chain, marks the latest step by the Trump administration to dismantle the group’s access to weapons, dual-use materials, and revenue streams that fund attacks against U.S. personnel and allies.
At the center of the sanctions is Sa’id al-Jamal, a key Houthi financier with close ties to Iran. U.S. officials say al-Jamal coordinated a network that procured millions of dollars’ worth of commodities from Russia — including weapons, sensitive materials, and stolen Ukrainian grain — and routed them to Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.
READ: Trump Proclaims April 2 As World Autism Awareness Day, Vows Bold Action On Childhood Health
Among those designated Tuesday are two Russia-based Afghan brothers accused of working with al-Jamal to orchestrate grain shipments stolen from occupied Crimea and smuggled to Yemen. These operations reportedly generated significant funds for the Houthis and their Iranian sponsors.
Additionally, the U.S. government has identified eight digital asset wallets used by Houthi operatives to transfer and launder proceeds tied to the group’s illicit activities. The wallets will be frozen and cut off from U.S. financial systems.
“The United States is committed to eliminating the Iran-backed Houthis’ capabilities and resources to conduct attacks on our servicemembers and naval assets,” said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. “We will continue to act decisively to stop their ability to threaten the security of the United States and our partners.”
READ: Florida Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence For Michael A. Tanzi
The sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 13224, a key U.S. counterterrorism authority targeting individuals and entities that support terrorism. This move follows a series of sanctions earlier this year targeting Houthi arms smugglers and drone suppliers.
The U.S. and its allies have grown increasingly alarmed over Houthi efforts to expand their operational reach across the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula, especially through Iranian-supplied ballistic missiles, drones, and naval mines.
The Houthis, formally known as Ansar Allah, have waged a brutal civil war in Yemen for nearly a decade and have received steady military and financial backing from Iran. The U.S. re-designated the Houthis as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group in 2024 following a spike in drone and missile attacks on U.S. naval assets and Saudi oil infrastructure.
READ: Stephen A. Smith Dumps Cold Water On California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 2028 Prospects
U.S. officials emphasized that Tuesday’s sanctions are part of a broader strategy to choke off the group’s financing, deter regional destabilization, and prevent the proliferation of Iranian proxy warfare throughout the Middle East.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
