Escalating Tensions: US and Iran-backed Houthis Vow Retaliation After Airstrikes

US and Houthis on Collision Course: Escalation Looms in Red Sea

Tensions are escalating between the United States and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen after U.S. airstrikes targeting the rebels. Both sides are vowing further action, raising concerns about the stability of vital international shipping lanes. The Houthis have been targeting military and commercial vessels in the red Sea, disrupting traffic on one of the world’s busiest maritime routes.

US Vows to Maintain Red Sea Security

The U.S. is determined to prevent the Houthis from controlling Red Sea shipping according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “We’re not going to have these people controlling which ships can go through and which ones cannot. And so your question is, how long will this go on? It will go on until they no longer have the capability to do that,” Rubio told CBS. He clarified that these strikes are intended as more than just retaliatory measures.

President Donald Trump has taken a firm stance, vowing to use “overwhelming lethal force” until the Houthis cease their attacks. Trump also warned that Tehran would be held “fully accountable” for the Houthis’ actions.

Houthi Attacks and Motivations

The Houthis have repeatedly targeted international shipping in the Red Sea, claiming these actions as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. These attacks, which included sinking two vessels, initially ceased following an Israel-Hamas ceasefire in January 2025, coinciding with the start of Trump’s term. Though, the Houthis announced a resumption of attacks last week, citing Israel’s decision to cut off humanitarian aid to Gaza this month.

While there have been no reported Houthi attacks since then, the rebels’ political bureau has stated they will respond to the U.S. strikes and “meet escalation with escalation.” The houthis also claimed to have targeted the USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group with missiles and a drone, a claim refuted by U.S. officials who told The Associated Press they were not tracking any such activity.

Casualties and Scope of US Strikes

The Houthi-run Health Ministry reported that the U.S.strikes resulted in at least 31 deaths, including women and children, and wounded over 100 people in Sanaa and Saada. These airstrikes were described as one of the most extensive operations against the Houthis since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023.

Yemenis clean debris in front of their shops after U.S. airstrikes.

Michael Waltz, Trump’s national security adviser, stated that the strikes “actually targeted multiple Houthi leaders and took them out,” though he did not provide specific details. Rubio confirmed that some Houthi facilities had been destroyed.

International Concerns and Humanitarian impact

The spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a statement calling for “utmost restraint and a cessation of all military activities,” emphasizing the “grave risks” to the humanitarian situation in Yemen, already considered the Arab world’s poorest nation.

The attacks in the Red Sea have had a notable impact on maritime security. rubio noted that over the past 18 months, the Houthis had attacked the U.S. Navy “directly” 174 times and targeted commercial shipping 145 times using “guided precision anti-ship weaponry”. These attacks represent the most serious combat the U.S. Navy has faced since World War II.

Iran’s Role and Denials

Despite accusations of providing military aid to the Houthis, Iran denies direct involvement. On Sunday, General Hossein Salami, head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, claimed that Iran “plays no role in setting the national or operational policies” of allied militant groups. iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged the U.S. to halt its airstrikes, asserting that Washington cannot dictate Iran’s foreign policy.

The U.S.Navy has previously seized Iranian-made missile parts and weaponry allegedly destined for the Houthis, further fueling tensions between the two nations.

US Military Presence in the Region

The recent U.S. operation was conducted solely by the United States, marking the first strike on the Houthis under the second Trump administration. The USS harry S. Truman carrier strike group, including the carrier, three Navy destroyers, and one cruiser, is currently in the Red Sea and participated in the mission.The USS Georgia cruise missile submarine has also been operating in the region.

Looking Ahead: Navigating a Complex Conflict

The situation in the Red Sea remains volatile, with both the U.S. and the Houthis signaling a willingness to escalate.the potential for further conflict threatens international shipping and exacerbates the already dire humanitarian crisis in Yemen. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether a path to de-escalation can be found or whether the region is headed for a wider conflict.

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Red Sea Crisis: Expert Analysis on US-Houthi Escalation

We’re joined today by Dr. Evelyn Sterling, a Middle East security analyst at the Global Security Institute, to discuss the escalating tensions in the Red Sea between the United States and Houthi rebels. Dr. Sterling, welcome to Archyde.

Thank you for having me.

Understanding the Red Sea Conflict

Dr. Sterling, can you briefly explain the current situation and what led to this recent escalation involving the US and the Houthis?

Certainly. The Houthi rebels, based in Yemen, have been targeting commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in gaza. This has disrupted vital international shipping lanes. The US has responded with airstrikes, aiming to degrade Houthi capabilities and deter further attacks, particularly after the Houthis announced a resumption of attacks this month.

US Strategy and Objectives

Secretary of State Rubio has stated the US is steadfast to prevent the Houthis from controlling Red Sea shipping. What are the key objectives of the U.S. military action in this region, and how enduring is this approach?

The primary objective is to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, a critical waterway for global trade. The US also aims to deter the Houthis from launching further attacks on both commercial and U.S. Navy vessels. The sustainability of this approach depends on several factors, including the Houthis’ ability to replenish their arsenals, the political will of the US to maintain a long-term presence and strategy in the region, and the humanitarian costs incurred. TrumpS vow of “overwhelming lethal force” will be put to the test here.

The Humanitarian Impact

The recent US airstrikes have reportedly resulted in casualties, including women and children. How is this impacting the already dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, and what are the broader implications for regional stability?

Any casualties among civilians are deeply concerning. Yemen is already facing a severe humanitarian crisis, and such events can inflame tensions, complicate peace efforts, and potentially lead to further radicalization. It’s crucial that all actions are taken to minimize civilian harm and that humanitarian aid is not cut off in the region by any party.

Iran’s Role in the Conflict

Iran has been accused of providing military aid to the Houthis, although they deny direct involvement. How meaningful is Iran’s influence on the Houthis, and how does this dynamic affect the broader geopolitical landscape?

While Iran denies direct command and control, the US Navy has seized Iranian-made missile parts and weaponry allegedly destined for the Houthis, suggesting a level of support. This support,whether direct or indirect,allows the Houthis to maintain and enhance their capabilities,prolonging the conflict and complicating efforts towards de-escalation. This certainly increases tensions between the US and Iran, impacting overall regional stability.

The Future of the Red Sea Crisis

The situation appears to be escalating, with both sides signaling a willingness to take further action. What potential paths forward do you see, and what would be required to de-escalate the conflict and ensure long-term stability in the Red Sea?

De-escalation requires a multi-pronged approach. Firstly,diplomatic efforts are needed to bring all parties to the negotiating table. Secondly,a cessation of hostilities and adherence to international law are essential to prioritize the safety and security of civilians. A long-term sustainable solution also requires addressing the underlying political and economic grievances within Yemen, and securing its borders which would include stopping the flow of weapons to the Houthis.It’s a complex challenge with no easy answers.

Thank you, Dr. Sterling,for your insights on this critical issue.

My pleasure.

What are your thoughts?

what do you think needs to happen to bring stability and security to the Red Sea? Leave your comments below.