The U.S. and Iran-backed Houthis vow escalation after U.S. airstrikes aimed at deterring attacks on shipping in a strategic corridor. Secretary Rubio and President Trump emphasize a strong response against the Houthis, who have targeted vessels in solidarity with Palestine. Iran denies involvement, while tensions persist as the U.S. Navy faces unprecedented levels of Houthi aggression.
The United States and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have both committed to escalating their confrontations following recent U.S. airstrikes intended to protect military and commercial vessels in a crucial shipping corridor. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “We’re not going to have these people controlling which ships can go through and which ones cannot,” emphasizing that the U.S. response will continue until the Houthis can no longer threaten navigational security.
President Donald Trump declared on Saturday that he would employ “overwhelming lethal force” against the Houthis if they continued their assaults, asserting that Tehran would be made “fully accountable” for their actions. The Houthis have attacked international shipping in the Red Sea, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amidst ongoing conflict with Israel. These attacks temporarily ceased following a ceasefire last January but escalated once again under renewed tensions after humanitarian aid to Gaza was cut.
The Houthis reported at least 31 fatalities and numerous injuries from the U.S. strikes in Sanaa and Saada, marking one of the most significant military actions against them since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. Trump’s national security adviser, Michael Waltz, disclosed that the strikes targeted Houthi leadership but did not provide specifics or evidence for these claims.
Rubio revealed that the Houthis have launched numerous assaults against U.S. Navy vessels and commercial shipping within the last 18 months. The U.S. Navy has faced unprecedented combat levels from Houthi attacks, especially recalling events reminiscent of World War II. In response to Trump’s warning, Iran refuted claims of its involvement with the Houthis and stated through General Hossein Salami that Iran does not dictate the operational policies of its allied groups.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called on the U.S. to cease airstrikes, asserting that Washington cannot control Iran’s foreign policy. The U.S. has long accused Iran of supplying military aid to the Houthis, evidenced by prior seizures of Iranian weaponry en route to Yemen. The latest strikes were orchestrated solely by the U.S. and marked the inaugural military action against the Houthis under Trump’s second term. The USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group, alongside other naval assets, participated in the mission.
In conclusion, both the United States and the Houthi rebels in Yemen are preparing for a heightened state of conflict following recent U.S. airstrikes. As each side vows to escalate their actions, the implications of this ongoing struggle present significant concerns for regional stability and maritime security. The confrontation reflects broader geopolitical tensions involving Iran, which has denied direct involvement in the Houthis’ activities despite accusations from the U.S. and its allies.
Original Source: www.channel3000.com
