Trump Warns Iran of “Dire” Consequences Over Houthi Attacks
Former US President Donald Trump has issued a warning to Iran, stating it will face severe ramifications if Yemen’s Houthi rebels persist in attacking international shipping lanes.
Heightened Tensions and Accusations
Trump asserted that the Iranian leadership would be held accountable for “every shot fired by the Houthis,” a group long supported by Tehran. The Houthis claim to have targeted a US aircraft carrier multiple times in recent days.
US Military Response
The initial attempted attack on the USS Harry S Truman in the Red Sea occurred on Sunday, following US strikes in Yemen. The Pentagon reported it had targeted 30 objectives in Yemen since Saturday, representing the most extensive US military operation in the Middle East since Trump’s return to the White House.
Trump’s Stance
On Monday, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform:
- “Every shot fired by the Houthis will be considered from this point, as being a shot from the weapons and leadership of IRAN.”
- “And IRAN will be held responsible, and suffer the consequences, and those consequences will be dire!”
The US president has accused Iran of supplying the Houthis with funding, weaponry, and intelligence, allegations Iran denies.
Iran’s Rebuttal
In a letter to the UN Security Council, Iran’s UN envoy refuted any violation of the UN arms embargo on Yemen, stating Iran is not involved in any destabilizing actions in the region. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani described the US accusations as “baseless,” according to reports.
Pentagon’s Perspective
During a Monday briefing, Pentagon officials indicated the US attacks on Yemen targeted a broader range of objectives than those sanctioned under former President Joe Biden. Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich noted that Houthi drone specialists were among those targeted, adding that no credible reports of civilian casualties existed. Washington has signaled that key Houthi figures were among the deceased, although the group has not confirmed this.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell clarified the US is not seeking regime change.
Houthi Actions and Claims
- On Sunday morning, the Houthis launched drones and missiles at the USS Harry S Truman. US fighter aircraft shot down approximately 11 drones, as reported by a US official.
- A ballistic missile also launched by the Houthis landed short of the USS Harry S Truman.
- The Houthis announced a third attack on the ship within 48 hours.
The Pentagon has not yet commented on these latest claims. Earlier, Pentagon officials stated that a Houthi missile missed its target by over 100 miles (160km) and refuted that any of their attacks had been successful.
Casualties and Ongoing Conflict
The Houthis reported that at least five children were among 53 people killed in the US airstrikes on Yemen’s Al Jaouf and Hudaydah areas, casualties the BBC has not independently verified.
The Houthis stated they would continue targeting Red Sea shipping until Israel lifts its blockade of Gaza. The group maintains it only attacks ships connected to Israel, the US, or the UK in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, a claim often proven false.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have sunk two vessels, seized a third, and killed four crew members. The group controls Sanaa and the north-west of Yemen, but is not the country’s internationally recognized government.