Intercepted Iranian Arms Delivery En Route to Houthis in Yemen
In a significant development in the ongoing conflict in Yemen, the Yemeni National Resistance Forces (NRF) have successfully intercepted and seized over 750 tons of Iranian weapons and military equipment, marking the largest seizure of Iranian advanced conventional weapons in history as of mid-July 2025.
The massive shipment, intercepted around July 16, included a wide array of weapons systems. Hundreds of advanced cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, and anti-aircraft missiles were among the seized items, along with drone engines and components, air defense systems and radar units, communications equipment, warheads and seekers, and manuals in Farsi. The shipment also contained various artillery, sniper rifles, anti-tank missiles, and modern radar systems.
Many of the weapons were reportedly manufactured by a company affiliated with the Iranian Ministry of Defense, which is under U.S. sanctions. This seizure is a major blow to the Houthis, who have seized Yemen’s capital Sanaa and continue to fight against the internationally recognized government, supported by a Saudi-led coalition.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) praised the NRF for this significant interdiction, underscoring that Iran remains the most destabilizing actor in the region and emphasizing the importance of limiting Iran's support to the Houthis for regional security and freedom of navigation. Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM, commended the legitimate government forces of Yemen for interdicting the flow of Iranian munitions.
Gen. Kurilla stated that the massive Iranian shipment intercepted by the NRF shows that Iran remains the most destabilizing actor in the region. The NRF's actions are a reflection of their commitment to a safe Yemen, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden. The actions of the NRF support the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) and are considered critical to regional security, stability, and freedom of navigation.
The ongoing conflict has caused a severe humanitarian crisis in Yemen, making this interception all the more crucial. As the NRF continues to fight against the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels, the interception of this massive arms shipment marks a critical development in efforts to curb Iranian smuggling of advanced weaponry to proxy groups in the Middle East, with broad implications for regional security and the Yemen conflict.
The interception of over 750 tons of Iranian weapons and military equipment by the Yemeni National Resistance Forces (NRF) is a significant event in the context of ongoing war-and-conflicts in Yemen, drawing attention to the politics involved in the region. This seizure, which includes advanced cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, anti-aircraft missiles, and other weapons systems, is a major blow to the Houthis and a reflection of the NRF's commitment to regional security and freedom of navigation.
