Yemen’s Houthi rebels have announced they are prepared to launch attacks on all American ships and warships operating in the Red Sea if the United States deepens its involvement in military action against Iran.
The statement, delivered by Houthi military spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree, signals a sharp escalation in regional tensions following the U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities ordered by President Donald Trump.
Saree warned that any further American military moves would make U.S. naval assets in the Red Sea “legitimate targets.”
This development follows the collapse of a U.S.–Houthi ceasefire agreed upon in May, which had temporarily paused attacks on American vessels but excluded actions related to Israel.
Several American warships, including the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and USS Nimitz, are currently operating in the region under Operation Prosperity Guardian, which aims to secure international shipping routes.
The Houthis, backed by Iran, have a history of launching drone and missile strikes against both commercial and military targets in the Red Sea, and recent months have seen an increase in their maritime aggression.
European and NATO forces have also been on high alert, with naval commanders warning of growing threats to international maritime traffic.
U.S. officials have not publicly responded to the Houthi statement, but defense analysts say any attacks on American vessels would likely provoke a direct and immediate military response.
The Red Sea now stands on the edge of becoming another flashpoint in an already volatile region
