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Three Goals and Warnings for Iran... Behind Washington's Strikes in Yemen
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Continued bombing of Yemen signals a large-scale escalation in the Middle East, with U.S. warnings to the Houthis and Iran about the consequences of supporting attacks on shipping in the Red Sea
The United States has escalated its military operations in Yemen, targeting Houthi positions in Sana'a, Saada, and other areas, resulting in dozens of casualties.
According to American sources to The Wall Street Journal, the strikes aim to achieve three main objectives; the first is to destroy Houthi missile launch platforms that are being moved to the Red Sea coast to carry out new attacks on ships. The strikes also directly target some of the group's leaders, with airstrikes hitting the homes of Houthi leaders in Sana'a and Saada. The third goal is to send a warning message to Iran, indicating that it could be the next target if it continues to support the Houthis.
The Houthi Health Ministry reported that the American airstrikes resulted in at least 31 deaths, including women and children, and over 101 injuries.
These strikes come after the Houthis announced their intention to resume targeting Israeli ships in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden, following a period of relative calm that began in January with a ceasefire in Gaza.
In a related context, U.S. President Donald Trump warned the Houthi group of "opening the gates of hell" if their attacks continued, and issued a similar warning to Iran, stressing that Washington would not tolerate a response.
These strikes are the largest U.S. military operation in the Middle East since Trump took office, amid rising pressure on Tehran and Washington's attempts to impose new terms on its nuclear program, following Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's refusal to enter direct negotiations with the United States.
