President Trump has warned Iran of “dire” consequences if Houthi attacks do not cease. Following recent assaults on U.S. naval vessels and airstrikes in Yemen, Trump emphasized Iran’s accountability for the Houthis’ actions. The U.S. military response has intensified to ensure secure shipping and degrade Houthi capabilities.
United States President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, declaring that the nation will confront “dire” consequences if the Houthi attacks on international shipping lanes persist. He emphasized that from this point onward, the Iranian leadership would be deemed responsible for every attack initiated by the Houthis, a group historically supported by Tehran.
This statement followed a recent Houthi assault on a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, which coincided with U.S. military strikes in Yemen that reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 53 individuals. The Pentagon confirmed it had conducted new strikes against 30 targets in Yemen, marking the most significant U.S. military operation in the region since President Trump resumed office.
Trump articulated his stance via his Truth Social platform, stating that every Houthi shot will now be regarded as a direct assault from Iran. He accused Iran of providing financial, military, and intelligence support to the Houthis, which is categorically denied by the Iranian government. Iran’s representative at the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, rebutted the allegations, insisting that Tehran was not breaching the U.N. arms embargo on Yemen and accused the United States of making “baseless accusations.”
Pentagon officials reported that the current U.S. strikes in Yemen extend to a broader range of targets than those conducted under the previous administration. Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich indicated that drone manufacturers affiliated with the Houthis were also in the crosshairs of the U.S. military. He noted that there have been no confirmed civilian casualties resulting from these actions. However, despite claims of key Houthi fatalities, the group has not verified this information.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell affirmed that this military initiative is not an open-ended offensive aiming for regime change. He asserted that the U.S. would persistently utilize overwhelming force to achieve its objectives: degrading Houthi capabilities and ensuring secure shipping lanes in the region.
In recent developments, the Houthis initiated drone and missile attacks against the USS Harry S. Truman carrier. U.S. military aircraft successfully intercepted approximately 11 drones, and a Houthi ballistic missile was reportedly neutralized before it could reach its target. The Houthis claimed that their operations would continue until Israel lifted its blockade on Gaza, asserting that their targets would primarily consist of vessels associated with Israel, the U.S., or the U.K.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have been involved in multiple assaults on merchant ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with reports of two vessels sunk, a third seized, and four crew members killed. While they exercise control over Sanaa and the northwest of Yemen, they are not recognized as the legitimate government by the international community.
In summary, President Trump has explicitly warned Iran of severe repercussions should the Houthi attacks on international shipping continue. The U.S. military has intensified operations targeting Houthi assets, asserting that Iran is accountable for their actions. The conflict has escalated, particularly following assaults on a U.S. aircraft carrier, and tensions remain high as the Houthis continue their campaign against vessels in the Red Sea. The situation underscores the complexities of regional security and international relations in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
