Summary:
- Major U.S. military operation against Houthis, the largest since Trump took office.
- Houthis call U.S. strikes a “war crime.”
- President Trump warns of dire consequences for Houthis and Iran.
U.S. President Donald Trump Initiates Military Strikes Against Houthi Rebels in Yemen
Washington, DC, and Aden, Yemen — On March 15, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump authorized large-scale military strikes against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. This action follows escalating attacks by the Houthis against Red Sea shipping routes, with Trump issuing a stern warning: “Hell will rain down upon you” if the Houthis do not cease their aggression. The U.S. President also directed strong rhetoric at Iran, urging it to immediately stop supporting the Houthis or face severe repercussions.
The military strikes mark the largest U.S. military operation in the Middle East under President Trump’s leadership and come as the U.S. ramps up sanctions against Tehran amid efforts to pressure Iran into nuclear negotiations. The attack represents a significant shift in U.S. strategy, signaling a more aggressive approach compared to the prior administration’s handling of Houthi provocations.
Casualties and Escalation
According to the Houthi-run health ministry, at least 13 civilians were killed and 9 others injured in the U.S. airstrikes, which targeted Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and the northern Saada province. The Houthis’ political bureau condemned the strikes as a “war crime” and pledged to escalate their response. Eyewitnesses in Sanaa reported intense explosions shaking the area, with many local residents, including women and children, fearing for their safety.
The Houthis have launched more than 100 attacks on global shipping since late 2023, significantly disrupting maritime trade and drawing the U.S. military into a costly defense operation. These attacks have included missile and drone strikes, with the U.S. Navy intercepting several threats.
Trump’s Bold Military Message and Iran’s Role
The U.S. military operation, which involved fighter jets from the USS Harry S. Truman stationed in the Red Sea, represents a clear message to both the Houthis and Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized, “Houthi attacks on American ships & aircraft will not be tolerated,” adding that Iran, which backs the Houthis, was now “on notice.” Trump further warned that America would not hesitate to use overwhelming force against the Houthis if necessary.
In a related development, the Houthis have vowed to continue targeting Israeli ships passing through strategic maritime routes, including the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden. This comes after a period of relative calm since January 2025, following a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in Gaza.
Iran’s Nuclear Program and Regional Tensions
Trump’s military escalation comes amid growing concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Just days before the strikes, Trump sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, proposing talks over Iran’s nuclear program. However, Khamenei rejected the proposal, further heightening tensions. The U.S. has also raised alarms over Iran’s rapid acceleration of uranium enrichment to 60% purity, a level that brings the country closer to weapons-grade material.
While Iran continues to deny any intent to build nuclear weapons, its ongoing actions, including support for Houthi rebels and other regional militias, have led to increasing concern among Western nations about the country’s long-term strategic goals.
Conclusion
The U.S. strikes in Yemen are a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict in the region, marking a shift toward a more assertive U.S. military posture under President Trump. With tensions rising, particularly between the U.S. and Iran, the situation in Yemen and the broader Middle East remains fluid. The international community will be closely monitoring these developments as the U.S. seeks to stabilize maritime security in the Red Sea while countering Iranian influence in the region.
Source: REUTERS
