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The Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen attacked Saudi Arabian ships overnight, according to President Donald Trump, in a move that could potentially broaden the scope of the war with Iran.
“Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if they do this again, the U.S. will hold Iran responsible, in that the Houthis are a Surrogate and/or Proxy of Iran, and major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis, themselves, who I am very disappointed with in that they have, until now, acted very professionally and smart,” President Trump declared in a Thursday morning statement.
The president said that the U.S. has not had any problems with the Houthis since last year, following U.S. forces’ expanded strikes against the group. “Unfortunately, now they are starting up again, shooting at two Saudi Arabian ships last night,” President Trump remarked in his statement.
An exclusive Reuters report citing four Iranian sources alleged that Iran flew Islamic Revolutionary Guard commanders and military equipment into Yemen earlier this month, suggesting that Iran is all-too eager to utilize the Houthis to further threaten shipping corridors in the Middle East.
According to the Associated Press, Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for striking two Saudi oil tankers transiting the Red Sea this week. This also comes amid an already-volatile situation in the Strait of Hormuz, in which Iran has severely stymied the flow of energy through the shipping corridor.
On Wednesday, U.S. Central Command announced the completion of the 12th consecutive night of strikes against Iran, aimed at degrading Iran’s capabilities to attack mariners and commercial vessels.
The volatility overseas has rocked the oil markets yet again. Brent crude oil rose to around $100 per barrel on Thursday, AP reported.
Parallelly, the United States inked an agreement with Saudi Arabia this week aimed at cementing a nuclear cooperation partnership, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
“These agreements reflect our two nations’ shared commitment to strengthening U.S.-Saudi commercial relations, delivering prosperity at home and security to our allies abroad,” said U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
