President Trump has issued a warning to Iran regarding consequences for Houthi attacks on international shipping. Following recent Houthi actions against a US aircraft carrier and US military strikes in Yemen, Trump indicated Iran would be held responsible for these attacks. The Pentagon has reported extensive military operations targeting Houthi capabilities to secure shipping lanes and protect US interests.
United States President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, stating it would face severe consequences if the Houthi forces continued to attack international shipping lanes. He indicated that Iran would be held accountable for every attack carried out by the Houthis, a group Tehran is believed to support. This warning followed the Houthis’ recent targeting of a US aircraft carrier in the Red Sea amidst military actions in Yemen that reportedly resulted in at least 53 casualties.
The Pentagon confirmed that it initiated new strikes against 30 targets in Yemen, marking the largest US military operation in the Middle East since President Trump resumed office. On his Truth Social platform, Trump articulated, “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.” He emphasized that Iran would be held responsible and face “dire” repercussions for these actions.
Trump accused Iran of providing resources, armaments, and intelligence to the Houthis, despite Tehran’s denials of such claims. Iran’s UN envoy, Amir Saeid Iravani, rebutted the accusations by asserting that Iran is not infringing upon the UN arms embargo on Yemen and is not contributing to regional destabilization. Iravani criticized the US for making unfounded allegations against Iran.
In the wake of escalating US military actions, Pentagon officials indicated that their operations were more extensive than those authorized during former President Joe Biden’s term. Targeted strikes now include drone manufacturing facilities operated by the Houthis, according to Lt Gen Alex Grynkewich, who reported no credible civilian casualties during attacks. Acknowledging the deaths of key Houthi figures, the group has not yet confirmed these claims.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell explained that the United States did not seek regime change but aimed to degrade Houthi capabilities and protect shipping lanes. “This campaign will be relentless to degrade their capability and to open up shipping lanes in the region and to defend our homeland,” Parnell asserted.
On Sunday morning, the Houthis launched drones and missiles targeting the USS Harry S Truman aircraft carrier, with US fighter aircraft successfully intercepting around 11 drones. Furthermore, they fired a ballistic missile that landed short of the carrier. The Houthis reported several civilians, including children, among the casualties of recent US airstrikes, although these claims remain unverified by independent sources. They have vowed to persist in targeting Red Sea shipping until Israel lifts its blockade on Gaza, asserting they primarily attack vessels linked to the US, UK, or Israel.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have engaged in targeting numerous merchant vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, sinking two and seizing another, leading to the deaths of four crew members. Although they control Sanaa and parts of north-west Yemen, they do not constitute the internationally recognized government of Yemen.
In conclusion, President Trump’s warning to Iran reinforces the United States’ stance on the threat posed by the Houthis to international shipping. The statement emphasizes accountability for Iran regarding Houthi actions, while the Pentagon’s military operations aim to dismantle Houthi capabilities, ensuring regional security. The ongoing conflict has seen numerous casualties and raises significant concerns regarding both humanitarian conditions and maritime safety in the area.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
