Houthi Foreign Minister Jamal Amer claims Yemen is at war with the U.S., warning of escalation amidst U.S. airstrikes. He emphasized Gulf states should stay neutral and affirmed ongoing attacks on Israeli-linked ships as retaliation for Gaza’s aid blockade. Trump’s strong warning against Iran adds tension to the conflict while U.S. objectives focus on ending Houthi aggression rather than regime change.
On Tuesday, Houthi foreign minister Jamal Amer declared that Yemen is effectively at war with the United States and warned of likely escalation, shortly after the commencement of U.S. airstrikes in Yemen. He cautioned Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to maintain neutrality and acknowledged their current non-involvement in the conflict.
Tehran, the Houthis’ principal ally, communicated with the Yemeni group, urging de-escalation of tensions, but Amer emphasized their independence from Iranian influence while reaffirming their intention to resume attacks on Israeli-linked vessels. This escalation is framed as retaliation against Israel for blocking aid to Gaza.
Amer dismissed suggestions of halting operations against Israeli-linked ships, asserting, “There will be no talk of any dialing down of operations before ending the aid blockade in Gaza.” He maintained that the Houthis will respond to any military actions from Gulf states seeking to intervene.
Emphasizing that the U.S. has exacerbated the situation, Amer stated that the Houthis focus only on attacking Israeli-related targets. He warned Gulf states against potential military involvement, which could turn them into targets, stating that they would retaliate if threatened.
Amer’s statements followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning to Iran regarding support for the Houthis, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy toward Iranian aggression. Trump declared that any Houthi attacks would be considered as actions orchestrated by Iran, warning of severe repercussions.
Recent Houthi activities in international waters have significantly impacted global shipping routes, forcing alterations to traditional pathways and increasing insurance premiums for maritime trade. Although the U.S. bombing campaign initiated on Saturday led to the deaths of several Houthi commanders, the Pentagon later clarified that their objective is not regime change but rather a cessation of Houthi hostilities.
The conflict between the Houthis and the U.S. has escalated following military intervention, with Jamal Amer highlighting a state of war and potential consequences for Gulf nations. Despite Iranian attempts to mediate, the Houthis firmly maintain their operations against Israel-linked vessels. Trump’s recent warnings signify a hardening stance against Iranian support for the Houthis, impacting global maritime trade. The U.S. aims to stop hostilities without seeking regime change, emphasizing balancing actions in the conflict.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
