The United States launched extensive airstrikes on various Houthi infrastructure targets in Yemen on Saturday night. During the attack, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a warning to Iran via his social media platform, Truth Social, urging them to stop supporting the Houthis. He stated that any continued support would have serious consequences.
In response to Trump’s threat, Iran’s elite force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), issued a counter-warning. The IRGC’s chief, Hossein Salami, stated that if Iran were attacked, it would respond swiftly and decisively. He emphasized, “Iran will not start a war, but if any threats arise, we will respond appropriately, firmly, and definitively.” He also clarified that the Houthis make their own military decisions.
Earlier this month, the first phase of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ended. Following this, Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza, cutting off all food aid. In reaction, the Houthi rebels in Yemen warned that if Israel did not lift the blockade, they would resume attacks on Israeli ships in the Red Sea. In response to these threats, the U.S. launched Saturday night’s airstrikes in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, resulting in at least 31 deaths, including women and children.