US President Donald Trump threatened to strike Iran and the Houthi rebels it supports in Yemen just a few hours after the group attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
Trump stated that Iran would be held responsible for any future attacks by the Houthis.
“If they do this again, the US will hold Iran responsible, as the Houthis are Iran’s proxies and/or puppets, and serious military sanctions will be imposed on both Iran and, of course, the Houthis,” he wrote on Truth Social on 23 July.
Earlier that same day, the Houthis stated that their strikes on ships were part of a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia, which the group had announced on 20 July.
Whilst US and European leaders have called on the Houthis to refrain from further military action, these attacks have heightened fears of further disruptions to global oil supplies. Whilst Iran continues to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the Houthis’ attacks in the Red Sea pose a risk of disruptions to shipping through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
“A year ago, the United States of America dealt a powerful blow to the Houthis for their interference in commercial and trade activities by firing on ships. Since then, and throughout our conflict with Iran, they have acted very responsibly,” Trump said.
Separately, US Central Command reported that its forces had completed their 12th consecutive night of strikes against Iranian targets, as Washington seeks to ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.