President Trump threatens major military punishment against Houthi rebels as Iran war escalates and oil prices spike.
The administration announced that the U.S. military has completed 13 consecutive nights of strikes against Iran as the regional conflict intensifies. These attacks aim to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial vessels and are part of a broader effort to regain control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has caused international oil prices to top $100 a barrel. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have launched missile strikes on Saudi Arabia, threatening to shut down the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping chokepoint. In response to these maritime disruptions, President Trump stated that any damages to ships or cargo will be paid for using sanctioned Iranian funds held by the United States. While the U.S. military continues to pressure Iran, the administration also signaled a willingness to negotiate. President Trump said that while the military is "locked and loaded" for a heavier dose of strikes, the administration is also pursuing a "smarter strategy" to reach a formal deal.