Trump's Renewed Focus on Houthis Amid U.S. Strikes in Yemen

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What’s in Today’s Article?

The U.S. launched over 40 precision strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, including Sanaa, Sadaa, and Hodeidah Port, targeting Iran-backed militants.
Former President Donald Trump warned the Houthis and Iran, stating that Houthi attacks must stop and that Iran would face consequences for its support. He emphasized that any attack by the Houthis would be considered an attack from Iran.
In response, the Houthis escalated rhetoric and claimed multiple missile strikes on U.S. warships in the Red Sea.

The Houthis’ actions are linked to the Gaza conflict, which escalated after Israel resumed military operations in Jabalia recently, violating a ceasefire.

Since December 2023, Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes have forced vessels to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope, significantly increasing insurance costs and disrupting global trade.

Biden’s Approach (2024): Listed Houthis as Specially Designated Global Terrorists but did not reclassify them as an FTO (Foreign Terrorist Organization).
Operation Prosperity Guardian (2023): U.S. Navy-led mission to protect shipping lanes and ensure freedom of navigation.
Trump’s Actions (2021 & 2025): First designated Houthis as an FTO in 2021, then re-designated them in 2025.

Trump’s recent Truth Social post emphasized that any Houthi attack is considered an attack by Iran, reinforcing the U.S. commitment to countering threats to global shipping and maritime security.

Shift in U.S. Military Focus
- Since 2015, the U.S. has supported the Saudi-led Operation Restoring Hope against the Houthis.
- During Trump’s first term (2017–2020), U.S. military actions in Yemen primarily targeted Al Qaeda and ISIS, not the Houthis.
- Houthi attacks in the Red Sea over the past 15 months have drawn the U.S. into direct military action against them.
Strategic Balancing: Targeting Houthis, Avoiding Iran War
- Trump’s military strikes on Houthis serve as a warning to Iran while avoiding direct confrontation.
- His social media posts reinforce pressure on Tehran, signaling potential nuclear negotiation leverage.
Official U.S. Justification and Arab States’ Stance
- The White House statements focus solely on protecting Red Sea shipping from Houthi attacks.
- Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, have distanced themselves from U.S. military actions, with Riyadh advising restraint since January 2024 and denying logistical support for U.S. strikes.

The Houthis have endured over 20,000 airstrikes from the Saudi-led coalition (2015–2023).
They use mobility and modular combat units, similar to Hezbollah’s asymmetric warfare strategies.

Before 2015, the Houthis did not use missiles but had already survived six wars (2004–2010) against Yemen’s government.
Since 2015, they have focused on drones, rockets, and missiles, mirroring Hezbollah’s 2006 strategy against Israel.
Despite continued U.S. and coalition airstrikes, the Houthis maintain operational capabilities, evident in ongoing attacks on Red Sea shipping.

Iran is the Houthis’ main but not sole backer.
Trump claims Iran controls the Houthis, but Tehran officially maintains that Ansar Allah operates independently.

China indirectly funds the Houthis by buying 90% of Iran’s oil exports (2024).
Russia provides intelligence and is reportedly expanding small arms and missile sales to the Houthis.
Many Houthi anti-ship missiles are based on old Chinese C-802 designs.

American analysts agree that sporadic U.S. strikes will dent but not eliminate the Houthis’ military power.
Diplomatic and military support from Iran, Russia, and China ensures the Houthis’ continued resilience in the conflict.