President Trump blames Iran for Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, claiming Iran provides support to the Houthis. U.S. strikes have been conducted against Houthi forces in response to their targeting of vessels, significantly disrupting shipping routes. Analysts suggest it may take several months for shipping activities to resume even if hostilities cease.
President Donald Trump has declared that Iran will be held accountable for any future attacks by Houthi militants on maritime vessels in the Red Sea. In a message posted on Truth Social, he alleged that Iran is orchestrating the Houthis’ actions, equipping them with weapons, funding, and intelligence.
In his statement, Trump asserted, “Every shot fired by the Houthis will be looked upon, from this point forward, as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of IRAN, and IRAN will be held responsible, and suffer the consequences, and those consequences will be dire!”
These remarks follow recent U.S. military operations against the Iran-aligned Houthi forces, resulting in significant casualties in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. The Houthis increased their attacks on various vessels shortly after the escalation of conflict in Gaza began in late 2023, severely impacting transit through crucial waterways.
At the start of 2024, the Biden administration organized a coalition of approximately 20 nations to fortify security in the Red Sea, implementing retaliatory strikes against the Houthis and intercepting their drones and missiles. Following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Houthi attacks on ships ceased in January; however, they recently threatened to resume assaults in reaction to Israel’s humanitarian blockade on Gaza.
U.S. military strikes aim to restore open shipping lanes in the Red Sea after months of disruption caused by Houthi attacks, which had compelled vessels to navigate longer routes, increasing transit times and costs while jeopardizing global supply chains.
Jonathan Roach, an analyst with Braemar ACM Shipbroking, remarked that even in the event of a cessation of hostilities, immediate return of shipping vessels is unlikely. He emphasized the need for shipping companies to have assured security.
“So, it’s probably going to take a good three to six months of no hostilities to container ships before they’ll actually risk it,” he noted.
In summary, President Trump has publicly condemned Iran’s involvement in Houthi attacks on shipping and warned of severe repercussions for Iran in response to future hostilities. Recent U.S. strikes against Houthi forces aim to secure the Red Sea shipping lanes, heavily disrupted by persistent assaults. However, analysts indicate that it may take time for shipping companies to regain confidence even if hostilities cease, raising concerns for international trade and supply chains.
Original Source: www.iowapublicradio.org
