President Trump has warned Iran of “dire” consequences if Houthi attacks on shipping continue. This follows increased US military operations targeting Yemeni sites tied to the Houthis, who have launched recent assaults on US naval vessels. The US maintains that Iran supports the Houthis, while Iran denies any wrongdoing. The situation heightens regional tensions amid ongoing strikes and geopolitical maneuvers.
President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, stating it will face “dire” consequences if the Houthis of Yemen persist in their attacks on international shipping routes. Trump emphasized that Iran would be held accountable for “every shot fired by the Houthis,” who have received long-standing support from Tehran. This warning follows recent Houthi assaults on a US aircraft carrier, escalating tensions in the region.
The Pentagon confirmed it has initiated attacks on 30 sites in Yemen after a reported strike that killed at least 53 people. Notably, these actions represent the most significant US military operation in the Middle East since Trump resumed presidency. He reiterated his position via his Truth Social platform, indicating a shift in how the US will perceive accountability for Houthi actions.
Trump accused Iran of providing the Houthis with funding, arms, and intelligence, a claim Tehran has firmly denied. Iran’s UN envoy, Amir Saeid Iravani, rejected these allegations in a letter to the UN Security Council, stressing that Iran is not violating any arms embargo or engaging in destabilizing acts in the region.
In recent military assessments, Pentagon officials stated the scope of US attacks in Yemen is broader compared to operations directed under the Biden administration. Targeting included Houthi drone manufacturing facilities with no credible evidence of civilian casualties reported. The US aims to degrade Houthi capabilities and ensure maritime security in the region.
On Sunday, dramatic events unfolded as the Houthis launched drones and missiles at the USS Harry S Truman in the Red Sea. US forces intercepted approximately 11 drones, while a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis fell short of its target. The Houthis have previously claimed to resume targeting Red Sea shipping until Israel ends its blockade on Gaza, claiming their strikes primarily focus on vessels linked to Israel, the US, or the UK.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have attacked numerous merchant vessels, causing significant maritime tension and disruption in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. They hold control over Sanaa and parts of northwest Yemen but do not represent the internationally recognized government of the country.
In summary, President Trump’s firm stance against Iran signals a potential escalation in US military involvement due to Houthi attacks on international shipping. Accusations of Iranian support for the Houthis are vehemently denied by Tehran, claiming US accusations lack validity. The US military’s intensified operations in Yemen aim to restore security and deter further Houthi aggression, marking a critical juncture in Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
