Trump Says Iran Will Be Held Responsible for Future Houthi Attacks
President Trump stated that Iran will be held responsible for any future attacks by Houthi militants. This follows Houthi attacks on two Saudi oil tankers.
Trump Says Iran Will Be Held Responsible for Future Houthi Attacks
President Donald Trump has stated that Iran will be held responsible for any future attacks by the Houthi militants, a group backed by Tehran. This comes after the Houthis claimed responsibility for attacking two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, a move that could further disrupt global energy supplies and drive up prices.
The attack on the tankers, which was confirmed by the Saudi Press Agency and the UK Maritime Trade Operations Center, has raised concerns about the safety of shipping in the region. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, where the attack took place, is a vital shipping chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, with around 12% of the world's trade passing through it.
Trump's warning to Iran comes as the US has carried out a 12th straight night of airstrikes against the country, in response to the Houthi attacks. The president has threatened "major military punishment" against the Houthis and Iran if the attacks continue, saying that the US will hold Tehran responsible for any future incidents.
The situation in the region remains tense, with oil prices surging to their highest level in eight weeks. Brent crude oil rose more than 6% to over $100 per barrel, while US crude oil jumped more than 5% to almost $92 per barrel.
In related news, the House of Representatives has approved a Democratic war powers resolution that directs the president to remove armed forces from hostilities with Iran. The measure, which passed with a vote of 214-208, is largely symbolic but reflects growing concerns among lawmakers about the escalating conflict in the region.
The Senate is also expected to consider a similar resolution, which was introduced by Senator Chris Van Hollen. The resolution would require the president to obtain congressional approval before taking further military action against Iran.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that the Trump administration is poised to help end the "senseless war" in Ukraine, but acknowledged that there is no quick path to a deal.
Trump has said that a new agreement with Saudi Arabia requires the kingdom to join the Abraham Accords, which were forged during his first term in office.
