Ansar Allah, also known as the Iran-backed “Houthi movement,” has been a major disrupter of shipping since the beginning of the Israeli-Gaza conflict. Their attacks on vessels throughout the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden targeted American and allied ships.
Trump has vowed that his administration will restore stability to international waterways and ensure that U.S.-flagged ships can once again navigate the Red Sea, Suez Canal, and Gulf of Aden without threat.
The military action also comes just two weeks after Trump extended a diplomatic offer to Iran, seeking to reopen discussions on Tehran’s nuclear program. However, he has remained firm that Iran will not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
With the renewed designation of the Houthis as a terrorist group, the U.S. is positioning itself for an extended conflict with Iran’s proxies in the Middle East.
