A sustained U.S. military offensive against Yemen’s Houthi rebels eliminated several key leaders, according to a senior adviser to President Donald Trump, who also warned Iran that its own assets could be next in the crosshairs.
“This was a decisive response that successfully targeted multiple Houthi leaders,” U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz stated on ABC’s “This Week.”
Trump authorized the strikes on Saturday in retaliation for Houthi attacks on commercial and military vessels navigating the Red Sea. While the previous administration also conducted strikes on Houthi positions, including underground weapons depots, Waltz emphasized that Saturday’s operation was significantly more forceful.
“The key differences are, first, directly targeting Houthi leadership, and second, holding Iran accountable,” he explained. “Iran has consistently financed, supplied, trained, and supported the Houthis in their efforts to strike U.S. warships and disrupt global trade, effectively shutting down two of the world’s most crucial maritime routes.”
When asked about potential military action against Iran to prevent nuclear weapons development, Waltz did not rule it out.
“The president has made it clear: Iran will not be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon. Every option remains on the table to ensure that outcome,” he said. “Iran can either surrender its nuclear ambitions in a verifiable manner or face a range of severe consequences.”
Speaking with Fox News, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced the administration’s stance, vowing that U.S. forces would continue relentless strikes against the Houthis until they cease targeting American interests and international shipping lanes.