LONDON — Rising tensions in the Middle East have escalated further as an Iranian general issued a stark warning of a “decisive and devastating” response following U.S. airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The strikes, ordered by President Donald Trump, targeted dozens of Houthi military installations in retaliation for attacks on international shipping vessels in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea.
Gen. Hossein Salami, commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), addressed the situation on Sunday, denying allegations that Tehran was directly backing the Houthis while simultaneously warning against any threats to Iran itself. “We are not a nation to live in hiding. We are a valid and legitimate system in the world. We announce it if we attack anywhere,” Salami said in a televised speech. While he did not specify any immediate Iranian response, he emphasized that Tehran would not hesitate to retaliate if provoked.
The warning closely followed Trump’s statement on Saturday, in which he described the Houthis as a terrorist force responsible for piracy, violence, and attacks on international shipping. “They have waged an unrelenting campaign of piracy, violence, and terrorism against American, and other, ships, aircraft, and drones,” Trump said. “We will use overwhelming lethal force until we have achieved our objective.”
A senior U.S. defense official confirmed that the strikes, conducted by air and naval assets, hit dozens of military installations across Houthi-controlled Yemen. The targets included radar systems, missile launchers, drone facilities, and air defense systems. The strikes, described as an opening salvo, signaled a significant escalation of U.S. military involvement in the conflict and served as a direct warning to Iran, which has been accused of arming and supporting the Houthis.
On Sunday, the Houthis claimed responsibility for a retaliatory strike on a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Red Sea. The group alleged that it had fired 18 ballistic and cruise missiles, along with a drone attack, at the USS Harry S. Truman. However, U.S. defense officials dismissed the claim, saying there was no evidence of any attack on the carrier. Despite this, the Houthis warned that “all American warships in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea will be targeted” in response to the U.S. strikes.
Reports from Yemeni health officials in Houthi-controlled Sana’a indicate that the U.S. strikes have resulted in significant casualties. At least 53 people were killed, with 98 others wounded, including women and children. The Ministry of Health in Sana’a, which operates under Houthi leadership, condemned the airstrikes as a violation of international law and a direct attack on Yemen’s sovereignty. The humanitarian impact of the escalating conflict has raised concerns among international organizations, with many warning that continued U.S. involvement could further destabilize an already war-torn region.
Speaking on ABC’s ‘This Week’ on Sunday, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz defended the U.S. strikes, stating that they were necessary to weaken Houthi leadership and disrupt their ability to target commercial shipping routes. “This was an overwhelming response that targeted multiple Houthi leaders and took them out,” Waltz said. He criticized former President Joe Biden’s approach to the Houthis as “feckless,” arguing that prior military actions had not gone far enough. When asked about the possibility of direct U.S. military action against Iran, Waltz said “all options are on the table.” He emphasized that Iran’s continued support for militant groups across the region—Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and militias in Iraq—must be stopped.
Trump has long been vocal about preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, a position that Waltz reinforced on Sunday. “President Trump has made it crystal clear that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Waltz stated. **“All options are on the table to ensure they do not acquire one—**including strikes against missile development sites, weaponization programs, and uranium enrichment facilities.” Waltz added, “Iran has a choice: either dismantle its nuclear program in a verifiable manner or face serious consequences.”
The latest escalation between the U.S. and Iran has reignited concerns that a broader regional conflict could erupt. The Houthis, with alleged support from Tehran, have intensified their maritime attacks in the Red Sea, posing a significant threat to global trade routes. Iran’s deepening involvement in proxy wars throughout the Middle East has led to growing fears of an extended confrontation between Washington and Tehran. Middle East policy analyst Dr. Karim Al-Khatib warned that continued U.S. airstrikes could push Iran toward direct military engagement. “We are witnessing a dangerous brinkmanship between the U.S. and Iran. If Tehran decides to respond militarily, we could see a much larger conflict unfold, drawing in regional powers,” Dr. Al-Khatib said. “The key question now is whether Iran will escalate tensions further or attempt to de-escalate through diplomatic channels.”
The situation remains highly volatile, with U.S. officials monitoring Iran’s response closely. The Trump administration’s hardline stance signals that further military action is not off the table, especially if Tehran continues to support the Houthis or ramps up its nuclear ambitions. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether diplomatic efforts can succeed or whether the Middle East is headed for a deeper conflict. As both sides continue their military posturing, the international community remains on edge, watching whether Iran will follow through on its threats or if the U.S. will escalate its campaign further.
