U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran of severe consequences if the Houthis do not cease attacks on international shipping. Following recent strikes that killed at least 53 people, the U.S. has escalated its military operations in Yemen, targeting a range of Houthi sites. Trump asserts Iran is responsible for Houthi actions, while Iran denies involvement in destabilizing activities, leading to heightened tensions in the region.
In a pressing warning, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran will face severe consequences if the Houthis continue their attacks on international shipping lanes. He suggested that the Iranian leadership is directly responsible for the actions of the Houthis, who have received support from Tehran for an extended period. Trump’s remarks followed a Houthi attack on a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Red Sea, resulting from escalated U.S. military actions in Yemen that reportedly killed at least 53 individuals.
The Pentagon confirmed the initiation of fresh strikes on 30 targets in Yemen, marking a significant U.S. military operation in the region since Trump’s return to the presidency. On his Truth Social platform, Trump emphasized that every act committed by the Houthis will now be attributed to Iran, stating, “And IRAN will be held responsible, and suffer the consequences, and those consequences will be dire!” He accused Iran of providing the Houthis with weapons, funding, and intelligence, allegations which Iran has firmly denied.
In a letter to the UN Security Council, Iran’s envoy rejected accusations of violating the UN arms embargo, asserting that Tehran is not engaged in any destabilizing actions in the region. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani labeled U.S. claims as baseless. Furthermore, Pentagon officials observed that the current military operations target a broader range of objectives compared to those under the prior administration, focusing even on Houthi drone manufacturers.
The Pentagon affirmed that there have been no credible reports of civilian casualties from the operations. The U.S. has noted the presence of key Houthi figures among the killed, but the group has not independently confirmed these claims. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell clarified that the U.S. is not pursuing regime change in Yemen, but intends to maintain pressure until its objectives, including ensuring safe shipping lanes, are accomplished.
On the morning of the attacks, the Houthis launched drones and missiles aimed at the USS Harry S Truman aircraft carrier, with U.S. aircraft intercepting approximately 11 of these drones. Although the Houthis reported multiple casualties from U.S. airstrikes, including children, these figures have not been verified by independent sources. The group has declared its commitment to targeting shipping in the Red Sea until Israel lifts its blockade on Gaza, despite often claiming that their attacks selectively target vessels linked to Israel, the United States, or the United Kingdom.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have increased their assaults on maritime vessels in the Red Sea, employing missiles, drones, and small boat tactics. They have successfully sunk two vessels, taken possession of another, and caused casualties among crew members. The Houthis control Sanaa and the northwest region of Yemen, although they do not represent the internationally recognized government of the country.
In summary, President Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran concerning the Houthis’ continued aggression towards international shipping. The U.S. has escalated military operations in Yemen, targeting multiple sites involved in Houthi activities. Amidst these developments, Iran maintains that it is not violating any international agreements, while tensions in the region remain high, particularly concerning the Houthis’ threats towards shipping linked to Israel. The situation continues to evolve as military actions unfold.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
