President Trump has stated that Iran will be held accountable for Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, following U.S. strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen. He noted Iran’s influence over the Houthis, while analysts predict that confidence in shipping safety will take months to rebuild, despite military efforts to secure the area.
President Donald Trump has declared that Iran will be held accountable for any future attacks by Houthi militants on shipping vessels in the Red Sea. In a message posted on Truth Social, he indicated that Iran controls the Houthis, providing them with weapons, financial resources, and intelligence support.
In his statement, Trump emphasized, “Every shot fired by the Houthis will be looked upon, from this point forward, as being a shot fired from the weapons and leadership of IRAN, and IRAN will be held responsible, and suffer the consequences, and those consequences will be dire!”
These remarks followed a significant U.S. military strike against Houthi positions in Yemen, which reportedly resulted in at least 53 casualties, with nearly 100 individuals injured, according to the health ministry tied to the Houthis.
The Houthis have targeted numerous military and commercial vessels since the escalation of the conflict in Gaza in late 2023, significantly disrupting trade in a vital global shipping corridor. In response, the Biden administration has formed a coalition of approximately 20 nations aimed at securing the Red Sea, which has included military strikes on militant positions and intercepting drones and missiles.
While the Houthis ceased ship attacks following a ceasefire announcement in January between Israel and Hamas, they have recently expressed intentions to resume hostilities in response to Israel’s humanitarian aid blockades imposed on Gaza. The U.S. military actions aim to reinstate safe passage for international vessels, which have been compelled to reroute around Africa, heightening transport times and costs while jeopardizing global supply chains.
Jonathan Roach, an analyst at Braemar ACM Shipbroking, indicates that despite potential reductions in hostilities, immediate restoration of shipping activity is unlikely. He notes, “So, it’s probably going to take a good three to six months of no hostilities to container ships before they’ll actually risk it.”
In conclusion, President Trump has issued a firm warning to Iran regarding its responsibility for Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, following recent U.S. military strikes in Yemen. Although these military actions aim to secure shipping lanes impacted by Houthi aggression, analysts suggest that confidence among shipping companies may take months to return. The geopolitical dynamics of the region continue to affect global trade and security.
Original Source: www.wesa.fm
