US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran will face severe consequences if Yemen’s Houthi rebels carry out more attacks on commercial vessels, accusing Tehran of supporting and directing the group’s activities.

According to a report by Reuters on Thursday, July 23, 2026, Trump made the statement on his Truth Social platform, describing the Houthis as an Iranian proxy and declaring that the United States would hold Iran responsible for any future assaults carried out by the group.

His warning followed reports that the Houthis launched drone and missile attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, an incident that disrupted shipping along one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes and forced some commercial vessels to change course.

Trump recalled that the United States had launched major military strikes against the Houthis about a year earlier, claiming those operations significantly reduced their attacks. However, he said the group had resumed targeting ships, citing the latest strikes on Saudi tankers.

He stressed that if similar attacks continue, the United States would respond with strong military action against both the Houthis and Iran, insisting Tehran would be held responsible because of its alleged backing of the group.

The Houthis, who control large areas of northern Yemen, have long been accused by the United States and several Western nations of receiving weapons, intelligence, and military support from Iran. Tehran, however, has consistently denied directing the group’s military operations.

The latest attacks are part of the Houthis’ renewed campaign against Saudi-linked shipping. The group says its actions are retaliation for what it describes as Saudi restrictions on Yemen and has threatened to expand its operations to include Saudi oil facilities, including infrastructure owned by Saudi Aramco, if those measures remain in place.

The renewed violence has heightened concerns about global energy supplies, as many of the attacks have occurred near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Continued disruptions in the area have forced some vessels to take longer routes around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing shipping costs and delivery times.

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