Yemen’s Houthi movement has issued a stark warning to the United States, declaring an intention to target US ships in the Red Sea if Washington becomes involved in any military actions against Iran in collaboration with Israel. The announcement, made on Saturday, escalates the already fragile situation in the region.
Houthi claims and regional monitoring
The Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, made a statement through the group’s media outlet, asserting, “We will target US ships and battleships in the Red Sea if Washington participates in the attack on Iran.” Saree further highlighted that the group is vigilantly observing movements in the area, particularly actions he characterizes as “hostile,” and will take necessary steps to safeguard their interests.
According to Saree, any potential Israeli strikes on Iran are perceived as attempts to eliminate Tehran as a significant barrier to Israeli ambitions for regional dominance. The spokesperson emphasized that the Houthi movement will not permit such plans to materialize.
Escalating tensions and military preparations
This warning from the Houthis follows the recent imposition of new sanctions by the US targeting key economic entities connected to the group. The rising tensions between the US and Iran have sparked discussions about a potential military response directed at Iran’s nuclear program.
Reports from the military-focused website “The Aviationist” indicate that two squadrons of B-2 strategic bombers, capable of deploying bunker-busting munitions, departed from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. Their destination appears to be the island of Guam in the Pacific Ocean, although there is no confirmation of any movement towards Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean, which has been utilized in similar military operations in the past.
Previously, US President Donald Trump announced in May a tentative agreement with the Houthi group, facilitated by Omani mediation. This understanding aimed to halt Houthi naval operations against commercial shipping in the Red Sea in exchange for a cessation of US airstrikes on Houthi-controlled territories.
The Red Sea is crucial for global trade, with approximately 10 percent of the world’s maritime commerce passing through it. Any escalation in this critical region could lead to significant economic and security consequences on a global scale.