Trump Warns Iran Over Houthi Attacks as U.S. Strikes Intensify
President Trump blames Iran for Houthi attacks on shipping, warning of dire consequences. U.S. strikes in Yemen target Iran-aligned militants after their attacks disrupted Red Sea shipping lanes. Despite a ceasefire in January, Houthis threaten renewed assaults, impacting international shipping costs and timelines. Experts suggest a cautious return to the region for shipping companies may take up to six months.
President Donald Trump has issued a warning, stating that he will hold Iran accountable for any further attacks carried out by Houthi militants on maritime vessels in the Red Sea region. On his social media platform, Truth Social, the President asserted that Iran is controlling the actions of the Houthis by providing them with weaponry, finances, and intelligence support.
In a particularly emphatic statement, Trump remarked, “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!”
The President’s comments followed a significant U.S. military operation targeting the Iran-affiliated Houthis, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 53 individuals and injuries to nearly 100 in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, as reported by the Houthi-run health authority. Since the escalation of the Gaza conflict in late 2023, the Houthis have been attacking both military and commercial ships, disrupting one of the globe’s busiest maritime routes.
In response to the situation, the Biden administration, in early 2024, formed a coalition of about 20 nations aimed at securing the Red Sea. This coalition facilitated retaliatory military actions against the Houthis, as well as intercepting their drones and missiles. Although the Houthis ceased targeting vessels following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in January, they recently announced the resumption of attacks due to humanitarian aid restrictions imposed on Gaza.
The U.S. military strikes aim to reopen international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, which have been severely impacted by Houthi attacks, forcing vessels to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, thereby increasing transit times and operational costs, and jeopardizing global supply chains.
Jonathan Roach, an analyst at Braemar ACM Shipbroking in London, indicated that even with a cessation of hostilities in the Red Sea, shipping companies are unlikely to resume operations immediately. He stated, “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 Donald Trump has warned Iran of severe consequences should the Houthis continue their militant actions in the Red Sea. Following recent U.S. military engagements that targeted these Iran-aligned groups, the Houthis have resumed threats to shipping. Shipping companies remain cautious and may require several months of peace before returning to normal operations in these vital maritime routes. The gravity of the situation continues to impact international trade and shipping logistics significantly.
Original Source: www.wesa.fm
