President Trump has warned Iran of severe consequences if the Houthis persist in their attacks on international shipping lanes. This warning comes alongside renewed military action by the U.S. in Yemen, targeting Houthi capabilities. Iranian officials have denied any involvement and condemned U.S. accusations, while the Houthis have threatened to persist in their operations until political demands are met.
United States President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that the nation will face severe consequences if the Houthi attacks on international shipping lanes continue. He asserted that the Iranian leadership will be held accountable for any actions taken by the Houthis, a group that has historically received support from Tehran. The warning was prompted by a recent Houthi attack on a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, following U.S. military strikes in Yemen that reportedly resulted in significant casualties.
The Pentagon has initiated renewed strikes on approximately 30 targets in Yemen, marking the largest U.S. military operation in the region since President Trump resumed office. Trump articulated his position through a message on his Truth Social platform, declaring that each Houthi attack would now be deemed a direct consequence of Iranian leadership, which would “suffer dire” repercussions. He accused Iran of providing the Houthis with essential resources and support, a claim that Iran has categorically denied.
In a response to the U.S. allegations, Iran’s UN envoy rejected claims of violating an arms embargo and asserted that Tehran is not engaged in any disruptive actions in the area. The U.S. military has reported targeting Houthi drone manufacturers as part of the ongoing offensive, which Pentagon officials emphasized focuses on broader objectives than previous military actions under former President Joe Biden. Significant Houthi figures have reportedly been among the casualties, although the group has yet to confirm these losses.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell clarified that the current campaign aims not for regime change but to degrade the Houthis’ capabilities, secure shipping lanes, and protect the U.S. homeland. Over the weekend, the Houthis launched aerial attacks against the USS Harry S Truman, during which U.S. aircraft successfully intercepted multiple drones. Furthermore, the Houthis have stated their intent to continue targeting Red Sea shipping until Israel lifts its blockade of Gaza.
Despite claiming to target only ships associated with Israel, the U.S., or the UK, the Houthis have executed several attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November 2023, including sinking two ships and seizing another, resulting in casualties among crew members. The Houthis maintain control over Sanaa and parts of north-west Yemen, despite not being recognized as the legitimate government by the international community.
In summary, President Trump has warned Iran of significant repercussions related to the Houthi attacks on shipping lanes, linking Tehran directly to the actions of the Houthis. The renewed U.S. military operations in Yemen, characterized by extensive airstrikes, reflect a strategic response to the threats posed by the Houthis. Despite Iran’s denial of involvement, accusations persist, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. The Houthis remain undeterred, vowing to continue their operations until certain political conditions are met.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
