Houthi Official Declares State of War with U.S. Amid Rising Tensions
Houthi foreign minister Jamal Amer announced Yemen is at war with the U.S., following military strikes. He cautioned Gulf states to remain neutral amidst escalating tensions and reiterated the Houthis will continue attacks on Israeli-linked vessels despite pressure. Iranian communications have urged de-escalation, which Amer claims the Houthis do not comply with, insisting on their decision-making independence. President Trump has warned Iran of consequences, further complicating the situation.
On Tuesday, Jamal Amer, the Houthi foreign minister, declared that Yemen is effectively at war with the United States, indicating a likelihood of escalation in conflict following U.S. military strikes in the region. He cautioned Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to maintain neutrality in the rising tensions. Amer emphasized the Houthis’ intention to continue attacking Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea, asserting that Iran does not dictate their decisions despite its role as an ally.
Amer revealed that two senior Iranian officials had recently communicated messages urging the Houthis to ease tensions. However, the Houthis intend to persist in their operations against Israeli-linked ships as a reaction to the blockade of aid to Gaza. Amer claimed ignorance of any Iranian message delivered to their envoy in Tehran, underscoring their autonomy in decision-making despite Iran’s mediation efforts.
He articulated a firm stance, stating, “There will be no talk of any dialing down of operations before ending the aid blockade in Gaza. Iran is not interfering in our decision… it cannot dictate things.” Amer acknowledged receiving calls from several parties advocating for de-escalation but stressed that Yemen’s conflict with the U.S. justified their actions, with a likelihood of further escalation. He accused the United States of exacerbating the situation by retaliating against targeted assaults on Israeli-linked ships while dismissing any attempts to involve international vessels.
While the Houthi leadership appreciates the neutral stance of Gulf states, Amer warned of potential repercussions should they intervene militarily. He stated, “If any aircraft or base is used against us then we will escalate… but if they continue to be neutral we will stay away.” His comments follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s stringent warning to Iran regarding its support for the Houthis, promising severe consequences for any subsequent aggression.
Houthi actions against international shipping since October have severely impacted global maritime trade, and the U.S. military campaign has resulted in the death of several Houthi commanders. The Pentagon has indicated that the ongoing campaign will cease contingent on the Houthis’ agreement to halt their attacks, signaling a cautious approach to regime change.
In conclusion, the Houthi foreign minister’s recent statements reflect a hardened stance against U.S. involvement in Yemen, citing a state of war and a likely increase in hostilities. The situation remains tense, with regional neutrality being vital for Gulf states. Continued Houthi operations against Israeli-linked ships and the implications of U.S. military actions suggest a precarious balance in the region, where further escalations may have significant repercussions for international maritime trade and geopolitical relations.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
