Attack against oil tankers in Red Sea: Trump issues warning to Iran, Houthis

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has warned the Iran-backed Houthi rebels after fresh missile and drone attacks targeted oil tankers in the Red Sea. He said Iran would be held fully responsible if the Houthis continue their attacks and warned of strong military action against both the rebel group and Tehran. Trump made the remarks in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.

'A year ago the United States of America attacked, very powerfully, the Houthis, for their interference with commerce and trade, by shooting at ships,' Trump wrote. He added that despite tensions with Iran, the Houthis had behaved responsibly in recent months.

'Unfortunately, now they are starting up again, shooting at two Saudi Arabian ships last night,' he said.

Calling it a final warning, Trump said the US would hold Iran fully accountable for any future attacks by the Houthis. He described the Houthis as an Iranian proxy group and warned that both Iran and the Houthis would face a strong military response if the attacks continue.

'I am deeply disappointed by the Houthis' actions. They had acted with great professionalism and restraint until now. I want to draw everyone's attention to this issue,' Trump added.