The U.S. airstrikes targeted and killed multiple Houthi leaders in Yemen, prompting a warning to Iran to stop supporting the rebels. The attacks highlight tensions in the Red Sea and underline U.S. efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The airstrikes resulted in significant casualties and reflect heightened military engagement from the U.S. in the conflict.
The White House confirmed the elimination of several Houthi leaders in Yemen due to U.S. airstrikes, underscoring a strong warning to Iran to cease its support for the rebel faction and its aggressive actions against maritime traffic in the Red Sea. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz articulated the intent behind the strikes, emphasizing the message to Iran that enough is enough. He asserted that the U.S. maintains a stance that all options remain viable to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear arsenal.
These airstrikes, marking the first U.S. military action against the Houthis since the return of President Donald Trump, reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 31 individuals and injuries to an additional 101, as noted by the Yemeni health ministry. The Houthi group, which has controlled significant portions of Yemen for over ten years, opposes both Israel and the United States, claiming their maritime assaults serve as a protest against the conflict in Gaza, emphasizing solidarity with Palestinians.
Since the escalation of the war in October 2023, the Houthis have executed numerous drone and missile strikes against shipping vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. According to the Pentagon, U.S. warships have experienced 174 assaults, while commercial ships have been targeted 145 times during this period, significantly affecting a critical maritime route responsible for approximately 12 percent of global shipping traffic.
In a lengthy statement on Truth Social, President Trump explicitly warned Houthi leaders to cease their attacks, declaring, “YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON’T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!” Simultaneously, Trump reached out to Iran’s Supreme Leader, proposing nuclear negotiations under the condition that aggression would lead to military action, a suggestion met with resistance from Tehran.
In his interview with ABC News, Waltz reiterated the U.S. determination to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities, stating that all possible measures are being considered. He asserted that Iran must either relinquish any nuclear ambitions in a verifiable manner or face severe repercussions, highlighting the global implications of allowing Iran’s regime to maintain control over nuclear armament.
The recent U.S. airstrikes removed key Houthi leaders while signaling a stern warning to Iran regarding its support for the group. As tensions escalate, the U.S. is committed to ensuring Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons, positioning a potential military response if necessary. This situation continues to pose significant threats to maritime security and geopolitical stability in the region.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
