Mike Waltz, President Trump’s National Security Adviser, announced that U.S. airstrikes in Yemen targeted Houthi leaders as a response to attacks on shipping. Waltz highlighted a departure from prior military strategies and indicated that direct military action against Iran remains a strong possibility. President Trump warned Iran to cease support for the Houthis and emphasized U.S. resolve in preventing Iran from achieving nuclear capabilities. The strikes have led to casualties, drawing condemnation from Iran.
On a recent episode of ABC News’ ‘This Week’, Mike Waltz, President Trump’s National Security Adviser, stated that U.S. airstrikes in Yemen have successfully targeted and eliminated several Houthi leaders. The strikes were a direct response to assaults on shipping in the Red Sea, which Waltz emphasized as a significant shift from previous military actions taken during the Biden administration.
Waltz articulated the current strategy’s focus on dismantling Houthi leadership while simultaneously holding Iran accountable for its support of the rebel group. The airstrikes reportedly resulted in at least 31 fatalities among the Houthis, who have promised retaliation. In light of these developments, Waltz reaffirmed that direct military action against Iran remains a viable option, stating that “all options are always on the table with the president.”
In a statement addressing the actions against American vessels, President Trump emphasized that such attacks would not be tolerated. He urged Iran to cease its support for the Houthis immediately, warning of serious consequences should threats arise. Waltz further indicated that if Iran is involved in bolstering Houthi attacks through resources, those targets could also warrant military action.
Reports indicate that children were among those killed in the strikes, which have drawn severe condemnation from Iranian officials. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that the U.S. lacks the authority to dictate foreign policy and characterized the airstrikes as a gross violation of the principles outlined in the UN Charter. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) justified the strikes as necessary to defend American interests and maintain freedom of navigation.
The Houthis, aligned with Iran and part of a network opposing U.S. and Israeli interests, have increasingly engaged in aggressive actions against maritime traffic. Pentagon reports noted 174 attacks on U.S. warships and 145 on commercial vessels carried out by the Houthis since 2023. Despite a pause in aggression following a ceasefire related to the Gaza conflict, the Houthis pledged to resume attacks until Israel lifts its blockade.
Trump’s rhetoric has been particularly aggressive, warning the Houthis that their time is running out, and threatening devastating repercussions if they persist in their attacks. In conjunction with military actions, Trump has signaled a commitment to addressing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, asserting the need to prevent a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.
Waltz emphasized the administration’s determination to counter Iran’s nuclear capabilities, stating, “We cannot have a world with the ayatollahs with their finger on the nuclear button.” He reaffirmed a resolve to ensure regional stability and prevent a radical regime from possessing such dangerous weapons.
In conclusion, recent U.S. airstrikes in Yemen highlight a strategic shift aimed at dismantling Houthi leadership while holding Iran accountable for its support of these insurgents. The U.S. administration remains firm in its stance against hostile actions towards American interests and emphasizes that all military options are on the table, particularly concerning Iran’s potential nuclear threats. This approach signals a significant escalation in U.S. military engagement in the region and could have profound implications for international relations.
Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
