Tue Mar 18 01:08:26 UTC 2025: ## Trump Escalates Yemen Airstrikes, Blames Iran for Houthi Attacks

**DUBAI, UAE** – US President Donald Trump launched a new wave of airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels over the weekend, killing at least 53 people and explicitly blaming Iran for the group’s actions. The strikes, targeting over 40 locations, are part of a significantly escalated campaign authorized by Trump, who delegated the authority to launch offensive strikes to US Central Command. This marks a departure from the previous administration, which required White House approval for such actions.

Trump’s announcement on Truth Social accused Iran of supplying the Houthis with weapons, money, and intelligence, warning Tehran it would “suffer the consequences” for further attacks. He described the Houthis as “sinister mobsters and thugs,” promising a forceful response to any future attacks.

The Houthi rebels, meanwhile, vowed revenge against the US and Israel, linking the attacks to the aid blockade imposed on Gaza following the Hamas war. Protests erupted in several cities, with Houthi youth chanting anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans. A Houthi leader defiantly declared their position on Gaza was irreversible.

The United Nations called for an immediate halt to all military activities in Yemen and the Red Sea, warning of escalating regional tensions. Iran’s ambassador to the UN strongly condemned Trump’s rhetoric, threatening retaliation for any hostile action. Although the head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard attempted to distance Tehran from the Houthis’ actions, Trump directly linked them. The Houthis also launched drone and missile attacks on the USS Harry S. Truman, although none hit the vessel.

Reports emerged of further US airstrikes and the Houthis raiding a World Food Programme warehouse in their stronghold of Saada province, seizing supplies intended for vulnerable families. The WFP confirmed the seizure, expressing regret over the action that further complicates the already dire humanitarian situation in war-torn Yemen, which has been on the brink of famine for years. The UN suspended operations in Saada earlier this year due to security concerns following the detention of UN workers.

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