President Trump has warned Iran of severe consequences if Houthi attacks on international shipping persist. Following a Houthi assault targeting a US aircraft carrier, he reiterated that Iran would be accountable for their actions. The Pentagon has initiated a campaign against Houthi targets in Yemen, aiming to secure shipping lanes and prevent further aggression from the rebel group.
United States President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Iran, threatening “dire” consequences should Yemen’s Houthi rebels persist in their assaults on international shipping lanes. Trump stated that Iran would be held accountable for every action taken by the Houthis, a group long supported by Tehran.
The warning followed a Houthi attack on a US aircraft carrier located in the Red Sea, which occurred after US military strikes in Yemen reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 53 individuals. The Pentagon subsequently launched airstrikes on 30 targets in Yemen; these operations marked the largest US military engagement in the Middle East since Trump reassumed the presidency.
On his Truth Social platform, 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. And IRAN will be held responsible, and suffer the consequences, and those consequences will be dire!” He accused Tehran of providing financial support, weaponry, and intelligence to the Houthis, claims that Iran has refuted.
Iran’s UN envoy, Amir Saeid Iravani, contended in a letter to the UN Security Council that Iran is not violating any embargo and is not engaged in destabilizing activities, denouncing the US allegations as unfounded.
Pentagon officials noted that the recent US assaults on Yemen target a wider array of objectives compared to previous strikes conducted under former President Joe Biden. Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich indicated that Houthi drone manufacturers were specifically targeted, and emphasized that no credible reports of civilian casualties have emerged from these operations.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell clarified that the US does not aim for regime change but intends to use overwhelming force until their strategic objectives are achieved. “This campaign will be relentless to degrade their capability and to open up shipping lanes in the region and to defend our homeland,” he remarked.
On Sunday, the Houthis used drones and missiles to target the USS Harry S Truman aircraft carrier. US fighter jets intercepted 11 of these drones; however, a ballistic missile fired by the Houthis landed in the sea, short of its intended target. The Houthis have stated their intention to continue attacks on Red Sea shipping until Israel lifts its blockade of Gaza, claiming that they only target vessels associated with Israel, the US, or the UK.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have conducted numerous attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with incidents including the sinking of two ships and the capture of a third, which resulted in casualties among the crew. While the Houthis control Sanaa and parts of northwestern Yemen, they are not recognized as the legitimate government of the country.
In summary, President Trump’s stern warning to Iran highlights the escalating conflict involving the Houthis in Yemen, particularly concerning attacks on international shipping. The Pentagon’s intensified military actions aim to degrade Houthi capabilities while safeguarding maritime security. Despite Iran’s denials of involvement, tensions remain high as the Houthis threaten further strikes until regional grievances are addressed. The situation is precarious, with potential ramifications for international relations and maritime operations in the area.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
