Trump warns Iran over Houthi attacks, holds Tehran accountable for Red Sea strikes
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US President Donald Trump, Image credit: AP/PTI
US President Donald Trump on Monday issued a strong warning to Iran, stating that Tehran would be held directly responsible for any future attacks carried out by the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The warning comes after the first U.S. strikes on Yemen during Trump’s new term resulted in 53 casualties and 98 injuries on Saturday.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump made it clear that any attack by the Houthis would be viewed as an attack from Iran itself.
"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," he wrote.
While the U.S. has been striking Houthi targets for months in response to their attacks on Red Sea shipping, Trump’s latest remarks directly linked Iran to the aggression. His statement also comes amid increasing tensions with Tehran over nuclear negotiations.
Following the U.S. airstrikes, the Houthis claimed to have launched attacks on an American aircraft carrier and organized large-scale protests in Yemen’s Houthi-controlled areas.
The rebels have repeatedly targeted commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea, disrupting a key global trade route. They justify their actions as solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, where Israel continues its military operations with U.S. support.
Trump reaffirmed his administration’s tough stance, promising a severe response to any future Houthi aggression.
"Any further attack or retaliation by the 'Houthis' will be met with great force," he warned, accusing Iran of portraying itself as an "innocent victim" in the conflict.
Before this latest escalation, the Houthis had not claimed attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since January 19, when a temporary ceasefire in Gaza took effect.
Trump, who campaigned on a promise to reduce U.S. involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts, has simultaneously pushed for a new nuclear deal with Iran while reinstating harsh economic sanctions under his "maximum pressure" strategy.