- Trump links Houthi rebel actions to Iran’s involvement.
- US airstrikes targeted Houthi positions, killing at least 53.
- Iran rebukes Trump’s rhetoric as reckless and provocative.
- Houthis vow revenge against the US and Israel.
- The UN urges restraint to avoid escalating regional tensions.
US President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Iran on Monday. He said any more attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels would lead to severe consequences for Tehran. This came after deadly US airstrikes on Houthi positions that killed at least 53 people.
Trump posted on Truth Social, calling the Houthis “sinister mobsters and thugs.” He promised a response with “great force” if the aggression continued. Trump also accused Iran of being the “puppet master” behind the attacks, providing the Houthis with weapons and military support.
Airstrikes and Military Escalation
The recent US airstrikes focused on key Houthi targets, such as their headquarters and drone sites. According to US officials, the strikes successfully killed Houthi leaders involved in the group’s drone program. This action marked a shift in US policy toward more direct military engagement.
US Central Command was given the authority to carry out these strikes, which represents a significant departure from the previous administration’s approach. Previously, military actions required direct White House approval, but now, military leaders have more flexibility to act swiftly on the ground.
“Allowing us to act with more flexibility on the ground will help us maintain pressure on the Houthis,” said Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich, director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He further emphasized that this change would enable quicker responses when necessary.
The Pentagon confirmed that no civilian casualties occurred from the attacks. However, the Houthis have claimed that additional US airstrikes took place overnight. These claims are still awaiting verification from independent sources.
In response to Trump’s warning, Iran’s Ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, condemned the rhetoric. He called it “reckless” and “provocative.” Iravani warned that Iran would defend its sovereignty if the US took military action, stating, “We will respond to any hostile action, as international law allows us.”
Houthis Threaten Revenge
In Yemen, Houthi supporters took to the streets in protest after the US airstrikes. Demonstrations occurred in several cities, with protesters chanting slogans demanding revenge against the US and Israel. Mohammed Ali al-Houthi addressed the crowd in Sanaa, saying, “We are men who fear no one but God.”
The Houthis’ al-Masirah TV aired live footage of young boys chanting, “God is the greatest; death to America; death to Israel.” This slogan has become a key part of the group’s anti-US rhetoric. The protests showed the deep anger over the recent airstrikes.
UN Urges Restraint
The United Nations has urged both the US and Iran to exercise “utmost restraint.” UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq specifically called for an end to military activities in Yemen and the Red Sea. He emphasized the need for dialogue to resolve the ongoing conflict.
Haq also warned, “The situation is already dire,” and any further escalation could worsen regional tensions. He stressed the importance of preventing the conflict from spiraling out of control, as the situation in the Middle East remains highly volatile.
Unfortunately, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen continues to worsen. The war between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition has pushed the country into a deep crisis. Food insecurity has become rampant, and famine remains an ever-present threat.
In the wake of the US airstrikes, the Houthis raided a warehouse run by the World Food Program (WFP) in Saada. The WFP confirmed that supplies meant for vulnerable families were taken without permission. A spokesperson for the WFP condemned the actions, stating, “Only WFP and its partners have the authority to distribute aid.”
The UN had already suspended operations in Saada due to growing security risks. Nevertheless, this recent raid further complicates efforts to deliver vital aid to those in need. It also highlights the increasing challenges faced by humanitarian organizations on the ground.
With tensions between the US and Iran escalating, the future of Yemen and the broader Middle East remains uncertain. The UN’s call for restraint underscores the urgency of addressing the conflict diplomatically. In the coming days, the steps taken by the US and Iran will be crucial in determining the region’s stability.