Trump Holds Iran Accountable for Houthi Attacks

President Donald Trump has stated that Iran will bear responsibility for any attacks carried out by the Houthi group, which has ties to the Islamic Republic of Yemen.

This announcement arose following a reported assault by the terror group on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed disappointment, saying, “Unfortunately, now they are back in action and last night they shot at two Saudi ships.” He further stated that any future attacks would result in significant military penalties for both the Houthis and Iran, whom he described as proxies. He noted, “I am very disappointed that they have acted so professionally and wisely so far.”

The tankers, identified as “ENCELIA” and “LAYLA,” were attacked using a mix of ballistic missiles and drones, according to reports from the SABA News Agency. The agency also indicated that Houthi forces had evacuated around ten vessels since they implemented a blockade.

This incident marks the first reported attack since the Houthis declared a blockade on ships heading to Saudi Arabia through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which came as retaliation for Saudi actions in Yemen. The situation escalated following recent hostilities around Sanaa International Airport, controlled by the Houthis, and was claimed by the Yemeni government supported by Saudi Arabia.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal, and the Council on Foreign Relations notes that 12% of global maritime oil trade passed through this area in the first half of 2023.

Following the tanker attack, oil prices surged nearly 6%, reaching just below $92 per barrel. This increase comes as oil prices were approaching pre-conflict levels at the start of the month, though they have risen sharply in the wake of renewed U.S.-Iran tensions.

Trump has expressed frustration about recent military developments, pointing out that the Houthis had maintained a relatively low profile since the U.S. initiated a military offensive against them last year.

He remarked, “A year ago, the United States attacked the Houthis very strongly, including shooting at ships, for interfering with trade and commerce. Since then, during the conflict with Iran, they have acted very responsibly.” However, he condemned their latest actions.

According to the Council on Foreign Relations, the Houthis currently control about a third of Yemen’s territory and two-thirds of its population. The group took over the internationally recognized government back in 2014, and Yemen’s civil war remains unresolved, with Iran being the key supporter of the Houthis through arms, training, and intelligence.

“God is great, death to America, death to Israel, curse to Jews, victory to Islam.”

The Council highlighted that closing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, in conjunction with the ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, could significantly disrupt global maritime trade and enhance Iran’s influence. Still, the Houthis may hesitate to pursue such drastic actions due to the potential for a vigorous response from Saudi Arabia.