The United States and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have pledged further escalation following a series of U.S. airstrikes aimed at deterring attacks on military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest maritime routes.
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking on CBS, justified the strikes, emphasizing Washington’s determination to prevent the Houthis from controlling maritime traffic. “We’re not going to allow these rebels to dictate which ships pass through vital international waterways,” Rubio asserted. “The campaign will continue until they no longer have the capability to threaten global commerce.”
United States President Donald Trump reaffirmed the stance on Saturday, warning that the United States would deploy “overwhelming lethal force” until Houthi aggression ceased. He further held Iran “fully accountable” for supporting the Yemeni group.
United States action is to Prevent Targeting of International Shipping
The Houthis, who have consistently targeted international shipping, claim their actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Attacks in the Red Sea had subsided after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in January, just before Trump’s inauguration. However, after Israel recently cut off humanitarian aid to Gaza, the Houthis vowed to resume hostilities against Israeli-linked vessels.
In a speech broadcasted Sunday, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, the Houthis’ leader, warned of “escalation in response to escalation.” He declared that his forces would retaliate against the U.S. with missile strikes and drone attacks on American warships. “We will continue to resist until the U.S. aggression ceases,” he stated, without elaborating on specific strategies.
According to National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, the recent strikes targeted high-ranking Houthi officials, although their identities remain undisclosed. In addition, multiple Houthi military facilities were reportedly destroyed.
The Houthis claimed they had launched drone and missile strikes at the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group in retaliation. A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Houthi forces fired 11 drones and at least one missile in response. American fighter jets successfully intercepted 10 drones, while one missile fell harmlessly into the sea.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for restraint, warning that continued military action could worsen Yemen’s already dire humanitarian crisis. “All parties must cease hostilities to prevent further suffering in the region,” his spokesperson said in a statement.
Iran, a known supporter of the Houthis, denied any involvement in the recent attacks. Revolutionary Guard General Hossein Salami refuted claims that Tehran orchestrates the Houthis’ operations, stating, “Iran does not dictate operational policies to its allies.” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed this sentiment on social media, urging the U.S. to halt its military actions while reaffirming Iran’s right to independent foreign policy decisions.
Over the past 18 months, U.S. military officials have documented 174 Houthi attacks targeting the U.S. Navy and 145 incidents against commercial shipping using advanced anti-ship missiles. The recent escalation represents one of the most significant confrontations the U.S. Navy has faced since World War II.
The ongoing conflict poses substantial risks to global trade and stability in the Middle East. The USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group, alongside other American naval forces, remains stationed in the Red Sea, prepared for further engagements. Analysts warn that prolonged conflict could entangle other regional players, leading to broader geopolitical consequences.
While the Biden administration had previously conducted joint strikes on Houthi positions with allies, the latest operation was executed solely by the United States, marking the first major military action against the Houthis under Trump’s second presidency.
As tensions continue to mount, diplomatic efforts remain uncertain. Whether the U.S. and its allies can deter further escalation or if this conflict will expand remains a pressing concern for the international community.
