President Trump has warned Iran will be held responsible for Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. Following significant U.S. military strikes against Houthi militants, tensions are escalating in the shipping lanes, previously disrupted by Houthi actions. Analysts predict that shipping companies will require months of peace before returning to these routes.
President Trump has asserted that Iran will be held accountable for any future attacks executed by Houthi militants on maritime vessels in the Red Sea. He articulated this stance via a post on Truth Social, accusing Iran of directing Houthi actions and providing them with weapons, financial resources, and intelligence.
In his post, he stated, “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!”
Trump’s statements follow a significant U.S. military operation against Iran-affiliated Houthis, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 53 individuals and injuries to nearly 100 others in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. This military action was a response to the Houthis’ increased aggression against vessels in the region, which escalated following the onset of the conflict in Gaza in late 2023.
In early 2024, the Biden administration initiated a coalition of approximately 20 nations to secure the Red Sea, including measures to retaliate against Houthi militants and intercept their drones and missiles. Following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas announced in January, the Houthis momentarily ceased targeting maritime vessels. However, they recently declared an intention to recommence attacks in response to Israel’s suspension of humanitarian aid to Gaza earlier this month.
The U.S. military actions aim to restore the safety of international shipping routes within the Red Sea, as persistent Houthi attacks have forced vessels to divert significantly around the Cape of Good Hope, incurring increased time and costs while disrupting global supply chains.
Jonathan Roach, an analyst at Braemar ACM Shipbroking, has noted that even if hostilities diminish in the Red Sea, shipping companies may be hesitant to return immediately. He indicated that, “So, it’s probably going to take a good three to six months of no hostilities to container ships before they’ll actually risk it.”
In summary, President Trump’s declaration emphasizes Iran’s culpability for Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea following American strikes against the militants. The ongoing conflict has necessitated extensive international cooperation to secure shipping routes, now jeopardized by Houthi aggressions. Analysts highlight that the restoration of stability is a lengthy process, requiring several months of peace before shipping companies may feel secure to operate in these waters again.
Original Source: www.wesa.fm
