The U.S. is considering targeting Iranian assets in Yemen amid ongoing military operations against Houthi rebels. Over 50 casualties, including civilians, have been reported from U.S. airstrikes. Oman has expressed concerns about humanitarian impacts, while DAWN criticized these strikes for escalating conflict. Mike Waltz indicated the U.S. may hold Iran accountable for its support of the Houthis, aligning with ongoing tensions in the region.
The United States may target Iranian assets in Yemen within its military strategy against Houthi rebels, as indicated by President Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz. The U.S. government has implored Iran to cease its assistance to the Houthis, and recent strikes aim to curtail the rebels’ aggression towards critical maritime routes in the Red Sea and Israel.
The ongoing U.S. military actions have reportedly resulted in over 50 casualties, as per Yemen’s health ministry, including civilian deaths. This escalation has raised oil prices and heightened fears regarding instability in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The Sultanate of Oman has expressed profound concern about these strikes, warning of potential humanitarian and regional repercussions.
Human rights organization DAWN has criticized the U.S. airstrikes, accusing President Trump of intensifying the conflict and breaching international law. Sarah Leah Whitson, the executive director, stated, “President Trump has broken his promise to the American people to stop entangling us in wasteful wars by launching attacks on Yemen, the poorest country in the region, inviting a Houthi counterattack on a U.S. warship.”
The Houthis have been engaged in hostilities against vessels bound for Israel, declaring they will renew attacks until Israel ceases its blockade on aid to Gaza. Mike Waltz emphasized that U.S. military action could extend to Iranian sites that aid Houthis, potentially targeting Iranian vessels and military instructors connected to the rebels’ operations.
Economic analysts suggest that the aggressive actions towards shipping lanes impact global trade significantly. The Houthis have asserted they targeted a U.S. carrier in the Red Sea on Sunday, threatening reciprocal actions if the situation escalates further. Reports indicate that the U.S. military operations ordered by Trump might persist for an extended duration.
Waltz asserted, “We will hold not only Houthis accountable but also their Iranian backers.” Conversely, Iran has refuted claims of supporting the rebels, asserting it will respond vigorously should it be attacked. The geopolitical landscape has shifted recently, with Iran and its allies facing substantial setbacks in the region, including in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq.
In conclusion, the situation in Yemen presents a multifaceted challenge for the U.S. as it may extend military operations against Iranian targets to counter Houthi aggression. The conflicts raise significant humanitarian concerns, emphasizing the region’s volatility and its implications for global commerce and stability. The responses from the various actors involved indicate a precarious balance, with the potential for significant escalation remains a critical point of concern for international peace and security.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
