U.S. officials have indicated that airstrikes ordered by Donald Trump against Yemen's Houthi rebels, who are aligned with Iran, could persist for several weeks. This follows an initial wave of attacks on Saturday that resulted in at least 31 deaths and up to 100 injuries. These strikes were a response to the Houthis' assaults on shipping in the Red Sea and mark Trump's first significant military action in the region since assuming office in January.
Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, the primary supporter of the Houthis, demanding an immediate cessation of their backing. He stated that any threats from Iran would be met with severe consequences. On his Truth Social platform, Trump declared that the time for Houthi aggression was over and promised severe retaliation if their attacks continued.
The Houthis claim their actions against international shipping are in solidarity with Palestinians and Hamas, another group supported by Iran. They have also launched attacks on Israel since the conflict in Gaza began. In response, Iran's Revolutionary Guards commander emphasized the independence of the Houthis in making their strategic decisions and warned of a decisive Iranian response if provoked.
The U.S. has already increased sanctions on Iran while attempting to engage in negotiations over its nuclear program. Observers are questioning whether Trump might resort to military action against Tehran, potentially influenced by Israeli pressure.
The U.S. Central Command, which manages military operations in the Middle East, described the Saturday strikes as the beginning of a comprehensive campaign across Yemen. The attacks involved fighter jets from the Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier stationed in the Red Sea.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on X that attacks on American ships and personnel by the Houthis would not be tolerated, and Iran was put on notice. Officials, speaking anonymously, revealed that Trump had approved a more assertive strategy.
The Houthis, who have gained control over much of Yemen in the past decade, are viewed as significant players in a regional coalition of militant groups supported by Iran. They are considered the only faction in this coalition not significantly weakened by Israel during the recent Gaza conflict and last year's brief war in Lebanon, which saw heavy losses for both Hamas and Hezbollah.
According to Anees al-Asbahi, a spokesperson for the Houthi-run health ministry, most casualties from the U.S. strikes were women and children. The Houthis' political bureau condemned the attacks as a "war crime" and vowed to escalate their response if necessary.
Residents in Sana’a reported that the strikes targeted a building in a Houthi stronghold, causing violent explosions that shook the area. Additional strikes hit military sites in Taiz and a power station in Dahyan, leading to power outages.
A Pentagon spokesperson noted that the Houthis have attacked U.S. warships 174 times and commercial vessels 145 times since 2023. The previous U.S. administration had attempted to curb the Houthis' capacity to attack ships near Yemen but had limited military engagement.
Iran's foreign ministry condemned the U.S. strikes as a violation of international law, with the Iranian foreign minister criticizing U.S. interference in Iranian foreign policy and calling for an end to support for Israel and the killing of Yemenis.
The Houthis announced plans to resume attacks on Israeli ships in the Red Sea and surrounding areas, ending a period of relative calm following a ceasefire in Gaza. The U.S. strikes occurred shortly after Trump sent a letter to Iran's supreme leader seeking talks on Iran's nuclear program, which was rejected.
Last year, Israeli strikes on Iranian facilities, including missile factories and air defenses, diminished Iran's conventional military capabilities. Iran has denied pursuing nuclear weapons but has significantly increased uranium enrichment, nearing weapons-grade levels, according to the UN nuclear watchdog.