The U.S. airstrikes in Yemen killed multiple Houthi leaders and warned Iran to cease support for the rebels. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz stated that all options are being considered to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The Houthis’ ongoing attacks on shipping in the Red Sea are linked to their opposition to Israel and support for Palestine amid the Gaza conflict.
The White House confirmed that U.S. airstrikes in Yemen resulted in the deaths of several Houthi leaders, reinforcing a strong message to Iran to cease its support for the rebel group. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz emphasized that the strikes involved overwhelming force and communicated to Iran that their actions were unacceptable. He reiterated that all options remain viable to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The airstrikes on Saturday marked the first engagement against the Houthis since former President Donald Trump resumed his role. The Yemeni health ministry reported at least 31 fatalities and over 100 injuries from the operation. The Houthis have maintained control of large portions of Yemen for years and are vocally opposed to U.S. and Israeli activities, claiming their attacks on shipping are in solidarity with the Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Since October 2023, the Houthis have conducted a series of drone and missile assaults on vessels in the Red Sea, with U.S. warships facing 174 attacks and commercial ships being targeted 145 times, as recorded by the Pentagon. This surge of aggression poses significant risks to international maritime trade, which is vital for global shipping.
In a statement on Truth Social, President Trump warned Houthi leaders to cease their assaults immediately, threatening severe consequences if they failed to comply. Last month, he proposed nuclear negotiations to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but Tehran rebuffed the offer, asserting that negotiations under threat were unacceptable.
Waltz made it clear in his interview that Iran must not be permitted to develop nuclear capabilities, stressing that the U.S. could impose further consequences should Iran refuse to comply with demands regarding its nuclear ambitions. The administration advocates for verifiable measures in resolving the nuclear issue while maintaining a firm stance against the Iranian regime’s hostile actions.
The U.S. response to Houthi aggression in Yemen underscores a significant escalation in regional tensions, with airstrikes targeting key leaders and a direct warning issued to Iran. The commitment to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains a priority, and the aggressive actions by the Houthis illustrate the ongoing threats to international shipping routes. Diplomatic channels, as suggested by President Trump, remain fraught with complexity as the U.S. balances military action with negotiation strategies.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
