Dubai, United Arab Emirates — On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump directly associated Iran with the actions of Yemen’s Houthi rebels, cautioning that Tehran would “suffer the consequences” for any additional assaults executed by the group.
Trump’s remarks via his Truth Social platform intensify his administration’s recent airstrike campaign against the rebels, which resulted in at least 53 casualties over the weekend, signaling potential continuance. Simultaneously, Iran is contemplating its response to a letter from Trump intended to initiate discussions about its swiftly advancing nuclear agenda.
Houthi supporters organized rallies in several cities, pledging retaliation against both the U.S. and Israel for obstructing aid to the Gaza Strip following its conflict with Hamas. The Houthis’ al-Masirah satellite channel broadcasted live footage of young boys shouting the group’s slogan: “God is the greatest; death to America; death to Israel; curse the Jews; victory to Islam.”
Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a prominent Houthi figure, addressed a demonstration in Sanaa, Yemen’s rebel-controlled capital, asserting, “The Yemeni stance is irreversible (regarding Gaza), so do whatever you (Americans) wish, for we are men who fear no one but God.” The United Nations has called for an end to military actions in Yemen and the Red Sea, urging for “utmost restraint” to avoid escalating regional tensions, stated U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq.
Trump, in linking Iran to the Houthis, labeled the rebel group as “sinister mobsters and thugs,” warning of a severe response to any attack they carried out, and implying potential further repercussions. He claimed Iran masquerades as “innocent victims” of uncontrollable terrorists, while in reality, they manage the Houthis’ every maneuver, providing them with weaponry, finances, and sophisticated military equipment.
The motive behind Trump’s post remains unclear as the leader of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard tried to dissociate Tehran from the Houthis’ actions over the same weekend. The Houthis had also launched drones and missiles targeting the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in the Red Sea; however, none of the attempts reached the vessel, which continues operations in the vicinity.
No immediate response followed from Iran regarding Trump’s statements. Trump further warned that “Every shot fired by the Houthis will be deemed as a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of IRAN, and IRAN will be held accountable and endure dire consequences!”
Between November 2023 and this January, prior to a ceasefire in Gaza, Houthi rebels aggressively attacked over 100 merchant ships with missiles and drones, sinking two vessels and resulting in the deaths of four sailors. This campaign increased the Houthis’ visibility across the Arab world and quieted public opposition to their human rights violations, and suppression of dissent and aid workers.
The Houthis reported continued U.S. airstrikes overnight, although American officials have not confirmed this.
In Saada province, a heartland for the Houthis, the World Food Program (WFP) warehouse was raided by the rebels. Initially reported by a member of Yemen’s exiled government, the Houthis allegedly took supplies from the facility post-U.S. airstrikes, actions later confirmed by the U.N. agency. “WFP regrets the de facto authorities’ choice to seize some commodities,” stated the agency. “These commodities were intended for the most vulnerable food-insecure families. Distribution must be coordinated by WFP and its partners to ensure they reach intended recipients.”
Yemen, entrenched in conflict since the Houthis took over Sanaa in 2014, has teetered on the brink of famine for years. In February, the U.N. suspended operations in Saada over security uncertainties, subsequent to the detention of numerous U.N. workers and others in recent months. The day following, WFP announced the death of its staff member while in Houthi custody.
