The U.S. Treasury Department on Wednesday sanctioned Iranian businessman Seyed Asadollah Imam Jom'ah and his network for facilitating liquefied natural gas and crude oil shipments that fund Iran's nuclear program and proxy groups, including the Houthis.

Yemen's Information Minister Muammar al-Eryani hailed the sanctions as "a direct blow to one of the Houthis' most prominent financiers." Speaking to Yemen's SABA news agency, al-Eryani stated Imam Jom'ah's network has long been crucial in smuggling Iranian gas to the Houthis as part of Tehran's broader financial support.
Al-Eryani accused Iran of using its energy resources to further its political and military aims by channeling funds to regional proxies. He also alleged the Houthis have replaced Yemen's domestic gas supply from Marib with free Iranian gas supplied through the sanctioned network.

In Houthi-controlled areas, domestic gas cylinder prices are reportedly three times higher than in government-held territories ($12 vs. $4), generating substantial illicit revenue annually. Al-Eryani asserted these funds finance the Houthis' war efforts, Red Sea attacks, child soldier recruitment, and propaganda.

He commended the U.S. for targeting terrorism financing and urged the international community to increase pressure on Iran and its proxies to support regional and global stability.