In a bold response to the Houthi rebels’ ongoing aggression in the Red Sea, former President Donald Trump has announced a significant wave of US air strikes targeting the Iranian-backed group. This move comes in light of escalating threats posed by the Houthis, who have been launching attacks on commercial vessels in response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Trump’s statements highlight a critical juncture in US foreign policy regarding Iran and its proxies in the Middle East.
Trump, via his Truth social platform, called the Houthis “thugs” funded by Iran and accused them of jeopardizing lives and incurring immense costs to the US military efforts. He noted that it has been over a year since a US-flagged vessel safely navigated the Suez Canal, indicating the seriousness of the threat posed by the Houthis. With recent air strikes killing at least nine and injuring more in Houthi-controlled areas, the former president asserted that the US will not tolerate such harassment of international shipping.
The former president’s aggressive rhetoric reflects a broader strategy of utilizing “overwhelming lethal force” to achieve US objectives against the Houthis. He warned the group directly, asserting that failure to cease their attacks would lead to devastating consequences, saying, “HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE.”
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed Trump’s tough stance, stating that Iran, which supports the Houthis, is now “on notice.” The Houthis—who have repeatedly targeted vessels they believe are connected to Israel—have prompted major shipping companies to divert their routes, impacting approximately 15% of the world’s seaborne trade traditionally passing through the Red Sea.
Additionally, Trump criticized the Biden administration for what he termed a “pathetically weak” approach that allowed the Houthis to continue their activities unchallenged. He called for Iran to halt its support for the rebels and warned of significant consequences if they fail to comply.
As tensions mount in this volatile region, the implications for both global trade and US foreign policy are significant. With the Houthis refusing to back down in their campaign against vessels in the Red Sea, Trump’s new military strategy could signal a shift in how the US confronts Iranian influence and proxy groups in the Middle East.