Houthi leader Abdul-Malik Badr al-Houthi on Thursday congratulated Iran on what he described as its “great victory” over the United States and Israel, calling it an important achievement for the entire “Axis of Resistance” following the U.S.-Iran agreement, which Tehran has portrayed as a victory.

“We congratulate Iran on its great victory over the enemies of Islam, the United States and Israel,” al-Houthi said. “It is an important victory for the entire Axis of Resistance and jihad.” He also warned that the Houthis are prepared for another round of conflict, saying the group remains in continuous coordination with its allies and “will not hesitate” to fulfill what he described as its commitment to jihad in any new escalation, “foremost in the Gaza Strip.”

The remarks came a day after Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Israel would target the Houthi leadership if the opportunity arose. Speaking Wednesday, Katz said al-Houthi was “hiding in tunnels,” adding, “If he is in our sights, he will die.”

Al-Houthi also addressed developments in Somaliland, claiming Israel is seeking to establish a foothold there. He called on countries bordering the Red Sea to adopt a united position against Israeli activity in the region and warned that the Houthis would launch attacks “using all possible means” if Israel establishes a presence in Somaliland. He also vowed to continue resisting what he described as the U.S.- and Saudi-led “aggression and blockade” against Yemen.

His remarks appeared to refer to a recent Telegraph report that 50 Somaliland special forces troops returned to Africa this week after completing extensive training in Tel Aviv. The article also said an Israeli delegation presented Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi with a fragment of an Iron Dome interceptor during a ceremony. It added that Israel became the first country at the United Nations to formally recognize Somaliland’s independence and sovereignty in December.

Somaliland overlooks the strategically vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key maritime chokepoint through which approximately 15% of global shipping passes. The waterway has repeatedly come under attack from Houthi drones and missiles.

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