President Donald Trump warns Houthi rebels of major military punishment as U.S. strikes escalate against Iran over shipping routes.
The administration announced the completion of 13 consecutive nights of strikes against Iran, aimed at degrading the nation's ability to threaten commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. These military actions followed a series of explosions near a U.S. military base in Irbil, Iraq, and triggered air raid sirens in Bahrain. The conflict has intensified as Iran seeks to manage traffic in the strategic waterway, which carries one-fifth of the world's oil and gas. Simultaneously, Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeted two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, threatening to disrupt another vital shipping chokepoint. This dual pressure pushed Brent crude oil prices above $100 a barrel. President Donald Trump warned the Houthis of "major military punishment" if their attacks persist. Additionally, Trump said that Iranian funds currently held by the U.S. should be used to cover the costs of repairing ships damaged during the conflict. While Iran condemned the move, the administration continues to push for regional control to stabilize global energy markets.