Trump Observes Strikes on Iran-Backed Houthis in Yemen Amid U.S. Military Operations

The White House has released striking visuals showing President Donald Trump monitoring military strikes on Iran-backed Houthi targets in Yemen, as the U.S. continues its large-scale operation against the group. The administration has framed these moves as critical for defending American shipping assets and deterring terrorist threats.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the White House emphasized Trump's commitment to defending U.S. interests, alongside images of the president accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. The post declared that the administration would no longer tolerate threats to American economic and national security interests, a pointed reminder of Trump's characteristic boldness.

Trump, clad in golf attire and sporting his signature red baseball cap, was seen watching the strikes unfold on a television screen. Another image captured him wearing a black headset, adding an almost cinematic flair to the scene—though one might wonder if the golf attire was a deliberate attempt to keep things casual amidst a serious crisis.

On TRUTHSocial, Trump confirmed ordering "decisive and powerful military action" against the Houthi terrorists. He detailed the ongoing aerial attacks targeting bases, leaders, and missile defenses, stressing the importance of protecting American vessels and ensuring freedom of navigation. Trump’s rhetoric was fiery, promising that no terrorist force would obstruct international waterways.

U.S. Central Command issued a statement outlining "precision strikes" aimed at safeguarding American interests and restoring navigational freedom. Meanwhile, Secretary Rubio reportedly reached out to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to emphasize the gravity of the U.S.’s deterrence operations and to discuss broader geopolitical implications.

The Houthi-run Health Ministry in Yemen reported that the strikes had killed at least 31 people, according to the Associated Press. This underscores the human toll of the conflict, as the Houthis have been accused of repeatedly targeting international shipping routes and launching attacks in solidarity with Palestinian factions in Gaza.

The U.S. has long accused Iran of backing the Houthi forces militarily, and the Navy has intercepted Iranian-made missile components intended for the group. Iran, unsurprisingly, denies direct involvement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by urging the U.S. to halt its strikes, asserting that Washington cannot dictate Iran's foreign policy.

Trump doubled down on his accusations, calling the Houthis’ actions a relentless campaign of piracy and terrorism that has disrupted global commerce and endangered lives. He also took a swipe at Joe Biden’s administration, accusing it of weakness and inaction that emboldened the Houthis.

In a dramatic declaration, Trump warned the Houthis, "YOUR TIME IS UP," vowing an unprecedented response if their attacks continued. He also issued a blunt message to Iran, demanding an immediate end to their support for the Houthis and threatening severe consequences in typical Trumpian style.

Saturday’s strikes mark the first U.S. military action against the Houthis under Trump’s second term, following the administration’s recent re-designation of the group as a foreign terrorist organization. The operation also comes amidst broader efforts to restart talks with Iran over its nuclear program, with Trump asserting he will block any attempt to make the program operational.

The Houthis have targeted over 100 merchant vessels since October 2023, according to the Associated Press, causing significant economic losses and highlighting the ongoing regional instability. With the U.S. now taking unilateral action, the stakes are higher than ever in the Red Sea and beyond.