US strikes kill Houthi leaders, warns Iran

Overwhelming force against the Houthis

National Security Advisor Michael Waltz shared details of the strikes, emphasising that they targeted multiple Houthi leaders with overwhelming force. He reiterated that the US has had enough of the ongoing violence and warned Iran to cease its support for the rebels.

Ceasefire and nuclear concerns

The strikes come amid ongoing tensions regarding Iran’s nuclear programme. Waltz reaffirmed the US stance, saying, "All options are on the table" to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The US has made it clear that it will not tolerate any nuclear threats from Iran.

Casualties from the strikes

The airstrikes on Saturday resulted in at least 31 fatalities and left 101 people wounded, according to the Houthi health ministry. The group, which has controlled much of Yemen for over a decade, continues to oppose the US and Israel, citing their stance against Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Houthi attacks on shipping routes

The Houthis have been responsible for numerous attacks on ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Since the onset of the war, US warships and commercial vessels have been targeted over 300 times, disrupting vital global shipping routes.

Trump’s warning to the Houthis

In a statement on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump warned Houthi leaders that they must cease their attacks, threatening severe retaliation if they do not. He also sent a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, suggesting nuclear talks and a potential military response if no agreement is reached.

US stance on Iran's nuclear programme

Waltz made it clear that the US will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, stressing that Tehran can either relinquish its nuclear ambitions or face serious consequences. The Biden administration’s position is firm on preventing the ayatollahs from having access to nuclear capabilities.