President Donald Trump warns Iran of severe repercussions as US airstrikes intensify in Yemen following Houthi threats to international shipping

Washington/ Aden – President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, holding the nation directly accountable for any further attacks orchestrated by the Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen. As tensions in the Middle East spiral, the US military has expanded its largest operation in the region since Trump reclaimed the presidency.

Over the weekend, the US military unleashed a fresh wave of airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen, striking the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah and Al Jawf governorate north of Sanaa, according to Houthi-run Al Masirah TV. The escalation follows increasing Houthi threats against international shipping routes, an issue that has drawn global concern.

Trump’s fiery statement, posted on his Truth Social platform, left little room for ambiguity: “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!”

The White House reinforced Trump’s stance, declaring that Iran must take the US’s warnings seriously. The Pentagon, in turn, confirmed that more than 30 Houthi targets have been struck so far, with the US military prepared to use overwhelming lethal force until the Houthis halt their attacks.

Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson, emphasized that while the US military aims to dismantle Houthi offensive capabilities, it is “not seeking regime change.” Nevertheless, the growing aggression has raised fears of a wider regional conflict, with experts cautioning that a direct confrontation between the US and Iran could be imminent.

Houthi authorities reported that the latest wave of US-led strikes has resulted in at least 53 deaths. Meanwhile, in a separate development, an Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed three individuals, further complicating the volatile situation in the Middle East.

Despite mounting tensions, diplomatic efforts remain sidelined. The US insists that it will not stand by as the Houthis continue their assaults on international shipping lanes, which have disrupted vital trade routes and heightened global security concerns.

With the Biden administration having previously struggled to contain Houthi aggression, Trump’s return to the White House has marked a dramatic shift in policy—one that prioritizes military action over negotiation. His direct challenge to Iran signals a hardline approach, one that could redefine America’s role in the Middle East for years to come.

As the situation develops, all eyes remain on Iran’s next move. Will Tehran de-escalate, or is the region on the brink of a new, devastating conflict?