'We'll Target American Ships': Houthis Warn Of Red Sea Consequences If US Supports Israel Against Iran

Yemen's Houthis have issued a stern warning to the United States, stating that they will target American ships in the Red Sea if the US joins Israel in attacks on Iran. The warning was delivered by the group's spokesperson, further escalating tensions in the Middle East. With the Houthis' warning to the US, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran appears to have taken a dangerous turn. The warning from the Houthis' group came up as the conflict between Israel and Iran entered its ninth day, with no signs of ending. 

The conflict between Israel and Iran has drawn in other regional players, including the Houthis, who have previously shown their willingness to engage in military action against perceived threats. Meanwhile, the latest warning from the Houthis shows the possibility for further escalation, particularly if the US becomes more directly involved.

The Houthis' warning comes despite a ceasefire agreement reached with the US in May. Under the terms of the agreement, neither side would target the other. However, the Houthis' latest statement suggests that they are prepared to revisit the agreement if the US supports Israel in its conflict with Iran.

Notably, the Houthis' warning has major implications for regional stability and global shipping. The Red Sea is a critical waterway for international trade, and any disruption to shipping lanes could have far-reaching consequences. 

Israel-Iran Conflict

The conflict began when Israel launched attacks on Iran under Operation ‘Rising Lion’, citing concerns that Tehran was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons. Iran has maintained that its atomic program is only for peaceful purposes. Israel's actions have resulted in massive damage, with at least 430 people killed and several injured in Iran since the attacks began. In Israel, 24 civilians have been killed and several others have been injured by Iranian missile attacks.

Houthi Threats To The US

The Houthi spokesperson has stated that all ships sailing to Israeli ports are banned from the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. If Gaza does not receive the food and medicine it needs, all ships in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea will be targeted. Notably, the US and the Houthis agreed to a ceasefire in May, which has now been called into question.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said that he would take two weeks to decide whether the US should back Israel and enter the conflict. Trump stressed that there is enough time "to see whether or not people come to their senses". He also warned that Iran would be able to have a nuclear weapon "within a matter of weeks, or certainly within a matter of months", adding, "We can't let that happen."

Iran's Supreme Leader

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly named three senior clerics as potential successors in the event of his death amid the conflict between Israel and Iran. Khamenei has also begun picking replacements for military commanders who were eliminated in Israeli strikes.

Further development in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict is awaited.