Mike Waltz, Trump’s National Security Adviser, warned Iran following U.S. airstrikes that eliminated Houthi leaders in Yemen. He emphasized a proactive approach to deterring attacks and referenced the need to hold Iran accountable for its support of the Houthis. Trump has threatened repercussions against both the Houthis and Iran if provoked, intensifying ongoing geopolitical tensions.
President Donald Trump’s National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz, issued a significant warning to Iran on ABC News regarding recent U.S. airstrikes in Yemen. These strikes targeted Houthi rebels, resulting in the elimination of multiple Houthi leaders on March 15. Waltz emphasized that this decisive action reflects a commitment to holding Iran accountable for its support of the Houthis, an Iranian-backed group which has been attacking shipping in the Red Sea.
In response to questioning from anchor Martha Raddatz, Waltz explained that the Trump administration’s strategy is markedly different from that of the Biden administration, focusing on eliminating key Houthi leadership and directly addressing Iran’s role in the conflict. The National Security Adviser indicated that this response is pivotal in deterring future attacks and holding Iran responsible for its backing of the rebels.
The airstrikes, which reportedly killed at least 31 individuals, including children, have drawn threats of retaliation from the Houthis. Waltz reiterated that military actions against Iran remain a possibility as President Trump insists on an immediate cessation of support for the Houthis. Trump underscored this, stating that threats against American vessels would not be tolerated, and he warned Iran to halt its support or face severe repercussions.
Waltz further indicated that any military assistance Iran provides to the Houthis, such as ships or intelligence, would also be legitimate targets in the U.S. response. This escalatory stance reflects a determination to hold both the Houthis and Iran accountable for destabilizing activities in the region.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell revealed that the Houthis have attacked U.S. warships and commercial vessels numerous times. These aggressions have severely disrupted crucial shipping routes, prompting heightened tensions in U.S.-Iran relations. Additionally, the Iranian Foreign Minister criticized U.S. actions as violations of international law, emphasizing Iran’s position against external dictation of its foreign policy.
As negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program continue to falter, Waltz asserted the necessity of preventing Iran from attaining nuclear capabilities, deeming it unacceptable to allow such a radical regime to possess nuclear weapons. He reaffirmed Trump’s commitment to use all available options to address this threat, contributing to ongoing geopolitical tensions.
In conclusion, the recent airstrikes in Yemen reflect a strategic shift in U.S. policy under President Trump, focusing on decisively countering Houthi aggression and emphasizing the accountability of Iran. As tensions escalate between these nations, the insistence on halting Iranian support for the Houthis remains critical. The situation underscores broader concerns regarding regional stability, shipping security, and nuclear proliferation, indicating a potentially volatile trajectory in U.S.-Iran relations.
Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
