US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a stern warning to Iran on Wednesday, stating that it would face severe consequences for its support of the Houthi rebels in Yemen. In a direct message to Iran posted on X, Hegseth emphasised the United States’ awareness of Iran’s actions, declaring:
Message to IRAN: We see your LETHAL support to The Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing. You know very well what the US Military is capable of — and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing.
The warning comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, where the US has ramped up military strikes against the Houthis, who control northern Yemen.
Since March, the US military has targeted more than 1,000 Houthi-controlled sites. The Houthis have recently escalated their actions, targeting shipping vessels in the Red Sea, citing solidarity with Palestinians
The Pentagon has recently increased its military presence in the region, deploying six B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and positioning two aircraft carriers in the Middle East. Additionally, air defense systems have been moved from Asia to further reinforce the region.
Iran denies involvement in Houthi actions
Iran has long denied direct involvement in the Houthi group’s actions, with Iranian leaders claiming that the Houthis operate independently. However, US officials have consistently pointed to evidence of Iranian support for the group, including providing military assistance and strategic guidance.
In his message, Hegseth also reposted a statement from US President Donald Trump, made in March, which stated that the US would hold Iran accountable for any attacks carried out by the Houthis.
https://t.co/DKl55mmFaT pic.twitter.com/vsVttencfH
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) May 1, 2025
Recent strikes and civilian casualties
The US airstrikes have intensified following the April 28 attack on Yemen’s Saada governorate, a known Houthi stronghold. Houthi-run Al Masirah TV reported that at least 68 bodies were recovered, and 47 others were injured in the aftermath. The Houthis claim that the strike hit a facility holding about 100 African migrants, including individuals from Ethiopia. The incident underscores the risks of civilian casualties amidst the ongoing conflict.
In a separate series of strikes on April 20, US forces targeted the Houthi-controlled capital of Sanaa and the coastal city of Hodeida, with reports of over 70 deaths from a previous US strike at a Red Sea port.
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The heightened military activity comes at a time when US and Iranian negotiators are set to meet in Rome to discuss Iran’s nuclear program.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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