U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a blunt warning to Iran over its ongoing backing of the Houthi rebels in Yemen, making it clear that such actions won’t go unanswered—even as American officials reengage in nuclear discussions with the Islamic Republic.
Washington and Tehran have now participated in three indirect negotiation rounds, all facilitated by Oman. The aim is to strike an agreement that would restrict Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons while offering relief from severe American sanctions.
The negotiations are scheduled to continue this weekend in Rome.
“Message to IRAN: We see your LETHAL support to The Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing,” Hegseth wrote on X. “You know very well what the US Military is capable of — and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing.”
Hegseth later amplified that message by reposting a statement from President Trump, originally shared in March on Truth Social, declaring that Iran would be held accountable for any Houthi-led aggression.
Iran’s leadership has denied that the Houthis operate under its command, instead claiming that the Yemeni militants act of their own volition.
The Houthis, who dominate Yemen’s northern territory, have launched multiple assaults on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, framing their actions as a show of support for the Palestinian cause.
In response, the U.S. military has escalated operations against the group, striking over 1,000 Houthi-linked sites since March.
The Pentagon has significantly expanded its presence in the region, recently dispatching six B-2 stealth bombers to Diego Garcia. The strategic island is widely regarded as a critical launch point for operations across the Middle East.
Currently, the U.S. maintains two aircraft carrier strike groups in the region and has also shifted air defense systems from the Pacific to bolster its Middle Eastern posture.
Despite public commitments from both sides to pursue a diplomatic path, Washington and Tehran continue to clash over long-standing issues that have stalled progress for more than twenty years.
Trump, speaking to Time magazine last month, remarked, “I think we’re going to make a deal with Iran,” but also reaffirmed that military options remain on the table should negotiations collapse.
{Matzav.com}