The U.S. and Iran-backed Houthi rebels have vowed escalation following U.S. airstrikes to deter threats against shipping in a vital corridor. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former President Donald Trump both emphasized aggressive military responses. Meanwhile, Iran denies involvement in Houthi attacks, despite ongoing accusations of military support.
The United States and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have both escalated their rhetoric following recent U.S. airstrikes intended to deter attacks on ships in a critical shipping corridor. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the U.S. will continue its operations until the Houthis are unable to threaten maritime security. He indicated that these actions differ from previous retaliatory strikes made during the Biden administration.
Former President Donald Trump announced a policy of employing “overwhelming lethal force” against the Houthis, holding Iran fully accountable for their aggression. The Houthis have attacked international shipping, allegedly targeting vessels in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has seen heightened tensions since the humanitarian aid blockade to Gaza.
Following a period of inactivity in attacks, the Houthis signalled a renewed willingness to target Israeli vessels in response to the blockade. Recent U.S. airstrikes have been characterized as among the most extensive since the Gaza war began in October 2023, resulting in significant casualties, as reported by the Houthi Health Ministry.
On the operational front, Trump’s national security adviser reported that the strikes successfully targeted multiple Houthi leaders, although specific identities were not disclosed. Rubio highlighted the Houthis’ direct attacks on U.S. Navy vessels and commercial shipping over the past 18 months, noting that this represents a significant escalation in hostilities not seen since World War II.
Iran officially denied any involvement in Houthi attacks amid rising tensions, asserting that it does not dictate the military strategies of allied militant groups. Iranian officials urged the U.S. to cease its airstrikes, emphasizing that American pressures will not influence Iran’s foreign policy. The U.S. Navy has previously seized Iranian weapons intended for the Houthis, underscoring ongoing allegations regarding Iran’s military support for the rebels.
This latest round of U.S. airstrikes marks the first significant military operation against the Houthis under the Trump administration’s current term, with U.S. naval forces, including the USS Harry S. Truman strike group, stationed in the Red Sea to participate in these operations.
In summary, the escalation between the United States and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen is intensifying following recent U.S. airstrikes aimed at deterring maritime threats. Both sides have expressed a willingness to respond assertively, with the Houthis stating their intent to meet escalation with escalation. As regional tensions continue to rise, the influence of Iran in the conflict remains a critical element.
Original Source: www.kaaltv.com
