President Trump warns Iran of serious consequences if Houthi attacks on shipping persist, following Houthi aggression against a U.S. aircraft carrier. The U.S. has launched extensive military operations in Yemen, targeting Houthi capabilities. Iran denies allegations of support for the Houthis, emphasizing their innocence amid U.S. claims of accountability for Houthi actions. The Houthis threaten ongoing attacks until Israel’s blockade is lifted.
U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, stating that the nation will encounter “dire” consequences if the Houthi attacks on international shipping lanes persist. This declaration comes in light of recent Houthi hostilities against a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, following U.S. military strikes in Yemen that reportedly resulted in at least 53 casualties, according to the Yemeni health ministry.
Trump highlighted that Iran is now accountable for each attack conducted by the Houthis, who have been supported by Tehran. His assertions were made after the Pentagon executed a series of attacks targeting 30 sites in Yemen, marking the largest military operation in the region since he took office again. Trump emphasized, “Every shot fired by the Houthis will be looked upon from this point forward, as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of IRAN.”
In response to the allegations, Iran’s U.N. envoy denied any involvement in breaching a U.N. arms embargo, countering that the U.S. has been leveling “baseless accusations” against Iran. Pentagonal spokespeople clarified that the current U.S. military operations target a wider array of Houthi capabilities than previous actions authorized under the Biden administration, with specific attention to drone manufacturing facilities.
Lieutenant General Alex Grynkewich confirmed that Houthi drone makers were among those targeted. He reported that there have been “no credible indications of any civilian casualties,” despite some claims by the Houthis. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell assured that the U.S. campaign aims to substantially degrade the Houthis’ military capacity, protect shipping lanes, and ensure homeland security.
Houthi forces have escalated their attacks, targeting the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier with drones and missiles on Sunday morning, while U.S. fighter jets successfully intercepted multiple threats. The Houthis also stated they would continue their operations against shipping in the Red Sea until Israel’s blockade of Gaza is lifted, claiming to only target vessels linked to specific nations.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have launched various attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, sinking two ships, commandeering another, and reportedly causing fatalities among crew members. Although they maintain control over Sanaa and parts of northwestern Yemen, the Houthis are not recognized as the country’s legitimate government.
The article outlines President Trump’s warning to Iran regarding the consequences of Houthi aggression toward international shipping lanes. It discusses the U.S. military’s actions following the attacks by the Houthis and the ongoing tension between Iran, the Houthis, and the U.S. This situation includes allegations of Iranian support for the Houthis, recent airstrikes, and the Houthis’ targeted assaults on shipping vessels. The conflict emphasizes complex geopolitical dynamics in the region affecting trade and security.
Original Source: www.bbc.com