President Trump ordered airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen, declaring intent to use “overwhelming lethal force” to address their threats to shipping routes. In response, Iran denied aiding the Houthis and faced warnings from the U.S. Amid reported casualties, the strikes highlight ongoing regional tensions tied to Iranian involvement and conflict in Gaza.
On March 15, 2025, President Donald Trump authorized airstrikes against Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen, asserting that he would employ “overwhelming lethal force” until the Iranian-supported rebels halt their assaults on vital maritime routes. Following these strikes near Sanaa, smoke billowed over the capital, underscoring the intensity of the military actions taken.
In response to the U.S. bombings, Iran firmly denied any support for the Houthis amidst threats from President Trump to hold Tehran “fully accountable” for the situation. The Houthi-run Health Ministry reported at least 31 fatalities, which included women and children, as well as over 100 injuries resulting from the initial waves of airstrikes.
The Houthis, who have previously targeted shipping in the Red Sea and launched missiles towards Israel, claim their actions are expressions of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. They had previously halted such attacks during a fragile ceasefire but indicated a willingness to resume hostilities as humanitarian aid to Gaza diminished, likely inflating regional tensions.
The U.S. and allied nations have long viewed Iran as a benefactor to the Houthis, accusing them of providing military supplies. Evidence of this included the U.S. Navy seizing Iranian weapons bound for the group, which maintains control over Sanaa and northern Yemen, stirring concerns about Tehran’s involvement in regional conflict.
General Hossein Salami, head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, reiterated that Iran does not dictate the operational strategies of allied militant groups. Additionally, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi communicated through social media, imploring the United States to cease its military actions while asserting that Iran’s foreign policy cannot be influenced by American demands. Though airstrikes occurred post-Houthi declarations to target Israeli ships, the immediate aftermath revealed no further Houthi military actions reported.
This operation marked the first U.S. strike on the Houthis under the second Trump administration, reflecting continuing international efforts to assert military pressure following escalating threats to maritime security.
The events surrounding the U.S. airstrikes against the Houthis illustrate a complex interplay of military action, regional politics, and Iranian influence. Despite Iranian denials of supporting the Houthi rebels, tensions remain high as both nations navigate a precarious geopolitical landscape, influenced by humanitarian crises and ongoing conflicts in neighboring regions. The U.S. commitment to counter Houthi aggression underscores the larger ongoing struggle for maritime safety and regional stability.
Original Source: apnews.com
