U.S. President Donald Trump issued a statement holding Iran responsible for the actions of Houthi rebels in Yemen. Trump declared that any further attacks by the Houthis would be seen as actions directed by Iran and warned they would be met with significant force. He accused Iran of supplying the Houthis with weapons, funding, and advanced military equipment, emphasizing that the consequences for Tehran would be severe.

Trump’s comments came amid recent attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen. The rebel group reported new U.S. strikes on their positions early Monday morning, raising the death toll to 53, including five children. U.S. Central Command confirmed the continuation of operations in the region.

Over the weekend, the United States initiated an intense series of airstrikes targeting Houthi positions as part of its strategy to halt attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. U.S. officials claimed that several key Houthi figures were among those killed, though the rebel group has not confirmed this information.

Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi responded by threatening attacks against U.S. ships in the Red Sea if American strikes in Yemen continue. The Houthi Health Ministry spokesman, Anis al-Asbahi, updated casualty figures, stating that 53 people were killed, including “five children and two women,” and that 98 others were wounded.

U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz confirmed that Saturday’s airstrikes targeted several Houthi leaders. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth promised an “unrelenting” missile campaign until Houthi attacks cease, stressing the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and re-establishing deterrence.

The Iran-backed Houthis, who control Sana’a and northwest Yemen, stated they would continue attacking Red Sea shipping until Israel lifts the blockade of Gaza. The group claims its actions support Palestinians amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Since November 2023, Houthis have targeted dozens of commercial vessels using missiles, drones, and small-boat assaults in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, sinking two ships, capturing a third, and killing four crew members.