Houthis threaten to strike US warships in Red Sea if Iran comes under fire

Yemen’s Houthi movement has issued a stark warning that it will target US naval forces operating in the Red Sea if Washington participates in any military strike against Iran.

"We will target US ships and battleships in the Red Sea if Washington participates in the attack on Iran," declared Yahya Saree, the Houthis’ military spokesperson, in an official statement, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Saree added that Houthi forces are actively monitoring developments in the region, particularly what he described as "hostile movements" and warned that the group would take all necessary measures to defend itself.

He also linked any potential Israeli attack on Iran to a broader geopolitical objective. 

"Removing Tehran as an obstacle to an Israeli plan to dominate the region," he said, "is a plan we will not allow to be implemented."

The warning was issued just one day after the US imposed a fresh round of sanctions targeting key economic entities associated with the Houthi group. The timing of Saree’s remarks also coincides with growing speculation about a possible US military strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities, following recent escalations in the region.

A US military aviation news platform, two squadrons of B-2 Spirit stealth bombers departed Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri on June 20. The aircraft, which are capable of delivering bunker-busting bombs, are reportedly en route to Guam in the Pacific Ocean. There has been no official indication of their deployment to Diego Garcia, the Indian Ocean base historically used in long-range strike operations. 

In May, US President Donald Trump stated that an agreement had been reached with the Houthis—facilitated through Omani mediation—to halt Houthi naval operations against commercial shipping in the Red Sea. In return, the US agreed to pause its airstrikes on Houthi-controlled territories. The Red Sea remains one of the world’s most vital maritime trade routes, with approximately 10 percent of global commerce passing through it.

By Naila Huseynova