U.S. Airstrikes in Yemen: A Warning to Iran from Trump’s National Security Adviser

Mike Waltz, National Security Adviser to President Trump, announced that U.S. airstrikes in Yemen successfully targeted Houthi leaders and signaled a readiness to hold Iran accountable for its support of the group. Despite civilian casualties reported, Trump and his administration reiterated their commitment to ensuring navigation safety and preventing nuclear threats from Iran. Waltz emphasized the willingness to consider all military options in addressing these issues effectively.

On Sunday, Mike Waltz, President Donald Trump’s National Security Adviser, announced that recent U.S. airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen had resulted in the elimination of multiple Houthi leaders. During an appearance on ABC News’ ‘This Week,’ he emphasized the strikes aimed at holding Iran accountable for supporting these rebels and differed significantly from actions taken under President Biden’s administration, which had not pursued Houthi leadership explicitly.

The airstrikes were a direct response to Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, resulting in at least 31 fatalities, as reported by the rebels. In a social media announcement, President Trump declared that assaults on American vessels would be deemed intolerable and urged Iran to cease its support of the Houthis or face severe consequences. Waltz confirmed that all military options against Iran remain feasible under President Trump’s directive.

Mike Waltz stated, “Iran needs to hear him loud and clear,” asserting that the support Iran provides to the Houthis must cease. He insisted that not only will the U.S. hold the Houthis accountable, but Iran’s involvement would also be addressed vigorously. He noted that Iranian assets used to support the Houthis, such as military personnel or equipment, could also become targets for future operations.

Reports indicated that U.S. airstrikes in Yemen resulted in civilian casualties, including children, drawing criticism from the Iran-backed Houthis, who warned of retaliation. Iranian officials condemned the airstrikes, asserting that the U.S. had no jurisdiction regarding Iran’s foreign policy. Washington’s Central Command defended the strikes as necessary to safeguard American interests and maintain safe navigation in critical shipping routes affected by the Houthis’ relentless attacks.

The Houthis, who have long claimed to support Palestine in its conflict with Israel, boast a history of launching drone and missile strikes against vessels in strategic waterways. Pentagon data reveal that these groups had conducted numerous assaults on maritime traffic since 2023, severely disrupting global shipping and necessitating costly reroutes. The conflict escalated as Trump reiterated his firm stance against Houthi threats, warning them of devastating repercussions if they continued their aggression.

Despite the escalation in operations, Trump’s administration remained committed to preventing Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities, with Waltz expressing determination that a nuclear-armed Iran poses a risk to Middle Eastern stability. He stressed the imperative of preventing such a scenario, denouncing any potential nuclear arms race in the region, and reasserting that all options will remain on the table to thwart Iran’s ambitions.

In summary, Mike Waltz’s recent statements highlight the U.S. administration’s commitment to addressing the Houthi threat and Iran’s role in supporting this group. The U.S. airstrikes in Yemen signify a strategic shift in military action aimed at deterring Iranian influence and safeguarding maritime navigation. President Trump’s firm warnings underscore a broader strategy to prevent nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, underscoring the precarious geopolitical landscape.

Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk