-
Trump Escalates Against Iran: 'All Options on the Table' to Prevent Nuclear Weapons
-
The U.S. escalation in Yemen signals an expansion of operations against the Houthis, reflecting Washington’s firm stance on Iran’s regional influence
U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz stated on Sunday that the United States may expand its strikes in Yemen to target Iranian-linked sites as part of its ongoing military operations against the Houthis.
According to Waltz, President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes on Saturday that hit multiple locations in Yemen, resulting in at least 31 deaths, as reported by Houthi-affiliated media. He noted that the strikes "took out several Houthi leaders" and hinted that the U.S. campaign could soon target Iranian entities backing the group.
Waltz added that potential targets include Iranian vessels near Yemeni waters, which are suspected of providing intelligence support to the Houthis, along with Iranian military advisors and logistical equipment used by the group to bolster its attacks on global trade.
Meanwhile, Trump sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei last week, proposing negotiations for a new nuclear deal, according to U.S. officials. They stated that Washington seeks to include strict limitations on Iran’s support for militant groups, including the Houthis, in any future agreement.
In response, Khamenei dismissed Trump’s overtures as "deceptive," insisting that Tehran would not accept restrictions on its regional alliances. Additionally, Iranian authorities condemned the latest U.S. strikes in Yemen, calling them a dangerous escalation.
Trump reaffirmed that the U.S. will continue to pressure Iran to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons, emphasizing that "all options are on the table" if Tehran refuses to comply with American demands. Speaking to ABC News, Waltz warned that Iran had been offered "a way out" of the crisis but must abandon key elements of its nuclear program, including uranium enrichment and missile development, or face "severe consequences."
He further asserted that the U.S. operations in Yemen send a clear message to Tehran: "We are not only holding the Houthis accountable but also those who supply them with weapons and intelligence."
