Houthi foreign minister Jamal Amer declared Yemen is at war with the U.S. and warned Gulf states against military intervention. Despite U.S. airstrikes, the Houthis plan to continue attacks on Israeli-linked ships in reaction to aid blockades in Gaza. U.S. officials have responded with threats to Iran and emphasized the need for de-escalation to restore maritime stability.
Jamal Amer, the Houthi foreign minister, recently announced that Yemen is effectively at war with the United States, with potential for escalation. Despite ongoing U.S. airstrikes in Yemen, Amer expressed his group’s intent to continue targeting Israeli-linked ships as retaliation against perceived injustices towards Gaza. He urged Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE to maintain neutrality in this conflict.
In a Reuters interview, Amer expressed gratitude that Gulf states have not yet intervened militarily, while warning that their involvement could make them targets for the Houthis. Iranian officials have reportedly conveyed messages to the Houthis urging a de-escalation of tensions, but Amer claims they are fully committed to their operations regardless of outside pressure, stating that their actions would continue until the aid blockade in Gaza ends.
He emphasized that the Houthis view the U.S. escalation as a threat, highlighting their intention to defend themselves using all means necessary. Amer clarified that their attacks have only targeted Israeli-linked vessels and not international shipping, underscoring a deliberate act of self-defense rather than aggression.
The situation escalated following U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks warning Iran to cease its support for the Houthis, asserting that any Houthi actions would be considered as coming directly from Iran. Amid the ongoing U.S. bombing campaign, Amer noted significant disruptions to global maritime trade, resulting in higher insurance rates and altered shipping routes.
The Pentagon has signaled a shift to a more cautious approach, clarifying that the bombing campaign’s goal is not regime change but rather to compel the Houthis to cease their attacks, with operations expected to halt when the group agrees to do so.
The Houthi leadership claims a wartime posture against the U.S., asserting their right to self-defense and intent to escalate if provoked. Despite pleas from Iranian allies to de-escalate, they remain committed to their retaliatory operations related to Gaza. The U.S. response includes military action, which has raised concerns over global maritime stability. Continued neutrality from Gulf states is emphasized as crucial to avoiding further escalation in the region.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
