On Monday, President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Iran, stating that any attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen on the United States would be seen as actions taken by Iran itself. This statement comes after recent U.S. military operations targeting the Houthis, a group known for its aggressive actions in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Last week, U.S. forces deployed B-2 stealth bombers to strike underground facilities used by the Houthis to store weapons. The U.S. Central Command reported that these facilities contained missiles and other munitions aimed at both military and civilian ships in the region. The bombings were part of a broader effort to counter the Houthi threat, which has been responsible for numerous attacks on maritime vessels.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized that the Houthis are heavily supported by Iran, claiming that they are “sinister mobsters and thugs” who are disliked by the Yemeni people. He warned that any further attacks from the Houthis would be met with significant retaliation and that Iran would be held accountable for their actions.
Trump criticized Iran for pretending to be a victim of rogue terrorists, arguing that they are, in fact, controlling the Houthis by providing them with weapons, funding, and military intelligence. He made it clear that every attack from the Houthis would now be considered as coming directly from Iran.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also spoke out over the weekend, promising that the U.S. military would continue its operations against the Houthis until they cease their attacks on shipping in the area. During an interview on Fox News, he highlighted the ongoing threats posed by the Houthis, noting that U.S. ships have been attacked multiple times over the past year.
Hegseth pointed to a lack of action during the previous administration, stating that the Houthis had been allowed to attack U.S. and commercial vessels without consequence. He stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation in international waters, labeling it a core national interest.
Hegseth also cautioned Iran against interfering in the U.S. campaign against the Houthis, indicating that the military would remain relentless in its efforts to eliminate the threat posed by the group.
As tensions rise in the region, the U.S. military’s actions signal a firm stance against both the Houthis and their Iranian backers. The situation continues to develop, with the potential for further military engagement if the attacks do not cease.