Trump Issues Stern Warning to Iran Over Houthi Strikes in Yemen

The U.S. has intensified military operations against Houthi targets in Yemen, amidst rising regional tensions and attacks on shipping lanes.

Smoke plumes rose above the Houthi-controlled region of Sana, Yemen, as U.S. airstrikes targeted militant positions on Wednesday. President Trump declared that the Iranian-backed Houthi group would face total destruction if military support from Tehran did not cease. He urged Iran to halt arming the group, which has been launching attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, stating, "Tremendous damage has been inflicted."

The American military intervention began over the weekend, focusing on the group's infrastructure, including training camps and drone facilities, with a clear objective to ensure freedom of navigation in critical waters. “It’s not a fair fight, and it never will be,” Trump asserted in his announcement via social media, asserting that the Houthis would face severe consequences.

The escalation comes in the wake of renewed hostilities following an earlier agreement to a temporary cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in January. The Houthis had previously halted their operations but resumed them after unsuccessful cease-fire negotiations and Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza this month. The situation remains volatile as ongoing strikes aim to dismantle the Houthi capability to retaliate against perceived threats or allies of Israel.