President Trump threatens Iran with responsibility for Houthi maritime attacks in the Red Sea following U.S. military strikes in Yemen. The Houthis resumed targeting vessels amid the Gaza conflict, prompting U.S. intervention to protect shipping lanes. Analysts suggest ship companies may take months to return to normal operations even if hostilities cease.
President Trump has stated that Iran will be held accountable for any future Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. He claimed that Iran is behind the Houthis, providing them with essential resources such as weapons, money, and intelligence. Trump emphasized that any attack by the Houthis would be regarded as an action sanctioned by Iran, warning of severe consequences for Tehran.
These remarks followed a significant U.S. military operation targeting the Houthis in Yemen, which resulted in the deaths of at least 53 individuals and nearly 100 injuries, as reported by the Houthi-run health ministry. This operation coincided with an increase in Houthi attacks on military and commercial shipping, which began following the escalation of conflict in Gaza late in 2023.
Despite a ceasefire resulting in a temporary halt to Houthi maritime attacks in January, they announced plans to resume assaults due to the humanitarian situation in Gaza. U.S. strikes aimed at safeguarding international shipping routes are critical, given that Houthi actions have necessitated detours that significantly increase shipping time and costs, thereby impacting global trade.
Jonathan Roach from Braemar ACM Shipbroking cautioned that any recovery in shipping activities in the Red Sea will not be immediate. He suggested that shipping companies require assurance of security before they would consider returning, projecting it may take three to six months without hostilities for the industry to feel secure enough to operate again regularly.
In summary, President Trump’s statements reflect heightened tensions between the U.S., Iran, and the Houthi militants following recent escalations in maritime conflict. The U.S. response aims to stabilize shipping routes in the Red Sea, while analysts warn of a prolonged hesitance among shipping companies to return despite any cessation of hostilities. These developments underline the intricate relationship between regional conflicts and global commerce.
Original Source: www.wesa.fm
