On July 13, 2026, Iran reportedly transported military personnel and equipment to Yemen via a Mahan Air flight originating from Tehran. According to four sources, including two Iranian officials, the Yemen Minister of Information, and a security analyst, the flight carried between 10 and 21 members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including high-ranking commanders, as well as components for missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.

The aircraft was originally intended to land in the Houthi-controlled capital of Sanaa. However, it was diverted to Hodeidah following strikes on the Sanaa airport conducted by forces of the internationally recognized government, which is supported by Saudi Arabia. Beyond military personnel and hardware, some reports indicate that Iran also provided gold to help fund Houthi activities. This mission is seen as a strategic move by Tehran to bolster its Houthi allies' capabilities to threaten international maritime traffic in the Red Sea. The developments have not been previously disclosed, highlighting ongoing Iranian involvement in the conflict.