The Trump administration has intensified its military campaign against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, with suspected U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Sanaa over the weekend. President Trump shared video footage of what appeared to be dozens of Houthi fighters killed in an American attack, stating “They will never sink our ships again!”
These strikes are part of a broader effort to halt Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea while sending a message to Iran, which backs the Houthi rebels. According to U.S. Central Command, more than 200 strikes have been launched against the Houthis since March 15, though details remain limited. The Pentagon has deployed additional military assets to the region, including the Harry S. Truman carrier strike group, with the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group reportedly on its way. Reports also indicate that nuclear-capable B-2 Spirit bombers have been deployed to a U.S. military base in the Indian Ocean.
Mr. Trump has given Iran until next month to reach a deal limiting its nuclear program or potentially face direct military strikes against Iranian territory. This ultimatum comes as Iran’s nuclear program advances rapidly, with analysts suggesting Iran could build a nuclear weapon in a matter of days. Both Israel and the U.S. have pledged to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed openness to dialogue with the U.S., but only on “equal footing,” rejecting what he characterized as America’s approach of negotiating while threatening. “If you want negotiations, what is the point of threatening?” Mr. Pezeshkian said, according to Iranian state media.
Analysts from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies suggest that Iran is trying to exploit the president’s “deal-making instincts” by feigning interest in talks to delay potential military action. They believe Iran will attempt to keep diplomatic channels open as Mr. Trump’s May deadline approaches.
The situation has broader implications for regional stability, with the president expected to discuss Iran’s nuclear program with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his White House visit. Since November 2023, the Houthis have targeted more than 100 ships, including U.S. military vessels, with missiles and drones, significantly impacting international shipping routes.
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