President Donald Trump issued a warning on Monday morning, threatening direct military action against Iran after the U.S. carried out airstrikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen over the weekend.
The strikes targeted Houthi leaders and fighters involved in an Iran-backed campaign attacking international shipping in the Red Sea. The U.S. military reportedly killed 53 rebels. In response, Trump stated that any future attacks from the Houthis would be treated as if they came directly from Iran. He emphasized that Iran is in control of the Houthi actions, providing them with weapons, funds, and military equipment. Trump warned that any further retaliation from the Houthis would trigger severe consequences for Iran. The U.S. Treasury Department has accused Iran of laundering money to fund these rebel attacks, including against U.S. allies like Israel. The ongoing attacks have forced many ships to reroute in the region.