President Trump warns Iran of severe consequences for continued Houthi attacks, asserting accountability for violence against shipping in the Red Sea. The US has escalated its military operations in Yemen, targeting Houthi capabilities and denying intentions of regime change. Iran refutes accusations of involvement in destabilization, while the Houthis persist in threatening maritime security.
United States President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran regarding its support for the Houthi rebels in Yemen. He stated that Iran will face severe consequences if the Houthis persist in their attacks on international shipping lanes, asserting that the Iranian leadership is accountable for every act of violence conducted by the Houthis, whom they have historically supported. Trump’s remarks follow recent Houthi aggression aimed at a US aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, coinciding with US airstrikes in Yemen, which reportedly resulted in significant civilian casualties.
The Pentagon has confirmed fresh military operations targeting 30 sites in Yemen, marking the largest US military engagement in the region since Trump’s return to office. This response comes as the Houthis threaten continued assaults on merchant vessels amid the ongoing conflict. In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared, “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,” making it clear that Iran will be held responsible for these attacks.
Iran’s UN envoy has rejected allegations of breaching a UN arms embargo and dismissed American claims as unfounded. The envoy accused the US of disseminating “baseless accusations” against Iran while emphasizing that Tehran is not engaged in any activities detrimental to regional stability. Pentagon officials asserted that the recent airstrikes in Yemen are broader in scope compared to previous military actions under the Biden administration, specifically targeting Houthi drone assembly operations.
While the US has acknowledged that several prominent Houthi leaders were among the casualties from the airstrikes, the group has yet to confirm these claims. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell emphasized that this operation would not continue indefinitely, clarifying that the US does not seek regime change but aims to diminish Houthi capabilities to ensure maritime security. Moreover, the Houthis have launched a series of drone and missile attacks against the USS Harry S Truman, an action defended by the rebels as a retaliatory measure against perceived aggressions from Israel, the US, and the UK.
The Houthis have been involved in numerous incidents targeting merchant vessels since November 2023, utilizing drones and missiles, resulting in the sinking of two ships and the seizure of another. Although they control significant portions of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, they do not represent the internationally recognized government of the country.
In summary, President Trump has warned Iran of dire repercussions if Houthi attacks on international shipping lanes do not cease. The United States has escalated military action in Yemen, aiming to counter the Iranian-supported Houthi threats. Tehran has denied allegations of supporting destabilizing activities, while the Houthis continue to assert their capacity to target maritime interests. The situation remains volatile, underscoring the complex geopolitical landscape in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
