U.S. President Donald Trump warned of ‘dire’ consequences for Iran should Houthi attacks on international shipping persist. Following Houthi assaults, the Pentagon conducted significant airstrikes on Yemen, targeting various Houthi assets. Trump accused Iran of providing support to the Houthis, while Tehran refuted these claims. The Houthis have intensified their engagements, threatening ongoing attacks until regional grievances are addressed.
In a recent statement, United States President Donald Trump cautioned Iran regarding the consequences it will face if the Houthi rebels in Yemen persist in their attacks on international shipping routes. He indicated that the Iranian leadership is directly accountable for every attack initiated by the Houthis, a group that has received long-standing support from Tehran. This warning follows a recent offensive where the Houthis targeted a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, prompting U.S. strikes in Yemen that reportedly resulted in at least 53 fatalities.
The Pentagon has indicated that it conducted airstrikes on 30 targets in Yemen, marking the most significant U.S. military operation in the Middle East since President Trump resumed office. On his social media platform, Truth Social, President Trump stated, “Every shot fired by the Houthis will be looked upon… as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of IRAN. And IRAN will be held responsible, and suffer the consequences, and those consequences will be dire!” He accused Iran of providing funding, weaponry, and intelligence to the Houthis, a claim denied by Tehran.
In response, Iran’s United Nations envoy, Amir Saeid Iravani, refuted that Iran was violating any arms embargo or engaging in destabilizing activities within the region, asserting that U.S. accusations were unfounded. Pentagon officials confirmed that current U.S. military actions are targeting a broader range of objectives than previous actions taken under former President Joe Biden, including sites linked to Houthi drone manufacturing, without credible reports of civilian casualties.
Military spokesperson Sean Parnell emphasized that this operation is not an indefinite campaign. He reiterated that the U.S. does not seek regime change, asserting that they will continue to apply significant force until their objectives are achieved. The Houthis have recently intensified their efforts, launching drone and missile attacks on the USS Harry S Truman carrier, with U.S. aircraft successfully intercepting many of these threats.
The Houthi rebels have pledged to sustain their campaign against shipping in the Red Sea until Israel removes its blockade on Gaza. Although they often assert that their focus is on vessels associated with Israel, the U.S., or the U.K., evidence from various attacks indicates a broader range of targets, highlighting escalating tensions in the region.
In summary, President Trump’s warning to Iran underscores the seriousness of the Houthi attacks on international shipping lanes and attributes responsibility to the Iranian leadership. The U.S. has escalated military actions in Yemen in response and continues to target Houthi operations amid claims of civilian safety and regional stability. As tensions rise, the Houthis have vowed to continue their assault until certain regional demands are met, demonstrating the complexities of the situation.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
