President Trump Renews Warnings to Iran amid US Strikes on Houthis

President Donald Trump has renewed his warnings to Iran against supporting the Houthi rebels in Yemen, issuing fresh threats as US forces carried out large-scale military strikes against Houthi targets. The strikes, which mark the biggest US military operation since Trump returned to office, have intensified tensions in the already volatile Middle East.

Iran swiftly condemned the attacks, describing them as "brutal" and accusing the United States of further destabilizing the region. According to reports, the first wave of strikes targeted key Houthi military infrastructure in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. US officials confirmed that air defenses, radar systems, as well as missile and drone launch sites were among the targets.

A senior US official stated that the operation, which has already resulted in at least 31 casualties according to Yemen's Houthi-run Health Ministry, could continue for weeks. The goal, according to US Central Command, is to "defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation" in the Red Sea.

Houthis’ Attacks on Global Trade

The Houthis, an Iran-backed armed group that controls most of northern Yemen, have been targeting commercial vessels in response to Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza. Their actions have had a significant impact on global trade, causing shipping traffic through the Suez Canal to drop by nearly two-thirds between 2023 and 2024.

While the Houthis had halted their attacks since November, they recently warned that they would resume operations if Israel continued to blockade electricity and humanitarian aid from entering Gaza. This warning came just days before the US launched its latest round of strikes.

A correspondent from the London School of Economics weighed in on the developments, stating:

"This is a major escalation by the Trump administration. There are two key objectives behind these attacks. First, the US wants to prevent the Houthis from further disrupting global shipping routes in the Red Sea. Second, the broader and more strategic goal is to pressure Iran into negotiations regarding its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. President Trump has made it clear that any Iranian support for the Houthis will be met with consequences."

Trump’s Strategy vs. Biden’s Approach

Since taking office, Trump has sought to take a harder stance against Iran, reversing the diplomatic approach of his predecessor, President Joe Biden. The latest military actions suggest that the Trump administration is prepared to sustain long-term strikes to weaken Houthi military capabilities.

However, analysts have pointed out that similar operations under President Biden did little to deter the Houthis. The correspondent explained:

"Over the past 17 months, President Biden launched multiple attacks against Houthi positions, but these strikes failed to stop their activities. This is due to the asymmetrical nature of the conflict. The Houthis operate with guerrilla tactics and decentralized command structures, making them resilient against traditional military strikes."

Will Iran Respond?

The question now is whether Iran will retaliate, either directly or through its proxies. Despite its strong condemnation of the US airstrikes, Iran has so far refrained from engaging in a direct military confrontation with the United States or Israel.

The correspondent elaborated:

"Iran does not want a full-scale military conflict with the US or Israel at this stage. Tehran appears to be in a waiting mode, carefully assessing the situation rather than responding immediately. However, the danger lies in miscalculation. If Iran provides the Houthis with more advanced weaponry, we could see a major escalation in the region. The Houthis have already signaled their intent to retaliate, possibly targeting American ships or other vessels in the Red Sea."

Impact on Global Trade and Security

One of the primary objectives of the US airstrikes is to ensure safe passage for commercial ships in the Red Sea. However, experts warn that the situation could worsen before it improves.

"If history is any guide, increased military action is likely to make the region even more unstable. The Houthis have very little to lose in this fight. Instead of weakening them, these strikes may further embolden them and draw more international attention to their cause," the correspondent said.

Both the Biden and Trump administrations have struggled to contain the Houthis' influence. The correspondent continued:

"Ironically, these military operations have given the Houthis more legitimacy on the global stage. The United States—the most powerful nation in the world—is directly engaging a relatively small militant group in Yemen. This not only elevates their status but could also increase recruitment and support for their movement."

The Gaza Factor

It is important to note that the Houthis' attacks on shipping lanes are directly tied to the war in Gaza. The Houthis had stopped their attacks after a ceasefire agreement was reached. However, Israel’s blockade of Gaza has prompted renewed threats from the group.

The correspondent warned:

"Without addressing the root cause—the conflict in Gaza—the situation in the Red Sea will remain volatile. The Houthis have made it clear that they view their actions as a response to Israel’s policies in Gaza. If the humanitarian crisis worsens, we may see an even greater escalation in the coming weeks."

A Shift in US Military Policy?

There are reports from Washington suggesting that some elements within the Trump administration are pushing for a more aggressive military stance—not just against the Houthis but also against Iran. Some officials reportedly advocate for regime change in Yemen as a long-term solution.

However, this approach contradicts Trump's earlier campaign promises. The correspondent pointed out:

"Trump came to office with a strong stance against unnecessary military engagements. He repeatedly stated that he wanted to avoid prolonged conflicts in the Middle East. Yet, we are now seeing a significant military escalation that could pull the US deeper into another prolonged conflict."

Uncertain Future

At this stage, the situation remains highly fluid. The latest airstrikes have set the stage for potential retaliation from the Houthis, which could, in turn, trigger further US military responses. Meanwhile, Iran’s next move remains uncertain.

The correspondent concluded:

"We are in a rapidly evolving situation. With so much uncertainty, it is difficult to predict what will happen next. What we do know is that the next few days and weeks will be critical in determining whether this conflict remains contained or escalates into something much larger."