In a fiery speech condemning U.S. aggression in Iraq in the wake of the killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani, Yemen’s Houthi leader Abdulmalik Al-Houthi signaled support for the group’s regional ally Iran. 

“(Iran) has a leading role in confronting America since the victory of the Islamic revolution,” he said in a televised speech Wednesday, noting that the Houthis “will not hesitate to stand with all free people...against the evil of America and Israel.”

“America’s role in the (war) on Yemen is essential, logistically, administratively and politically, and without their role this aggression would not exist,” he added, comparing the U.S. relationship with Saudi Arabia to a shepard and its cow.

The speech comes amid Houthi talks with the U.S. and Saudi Arabia in Oman about a potential political solution to wind down the five year war. 

On Thursday, an IRGC commander held a press conference standing in front of the flags of its allies in the region, including one associated with the Houthis.