US Warns Houthis: Attacks on Ships Risk Escalation; Iran Nuclear Talks Loom

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, not Pete Hegseth, stated that continued Houthi attacks on ships would worsen the situation for the group. The U.S. military has been conducting operations against the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen to protect international shipping lanes. Since late 2023, the Houthis have launched numerous attacks against commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, disrupting global trade and prompting increased military presence in the region. These attacks have significantly increased shipping costs and transit times. While President Trump did withdraw the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, and tensions with Iran remain high, any planned meetings for nuclear talks should be confirmed with official sources. The U.S. has held Iran accountable for actions by its proxies, including the Houthis. It is important to note that Pete Hegseth has never served as Secretary of Defense. The DOD Office of the Inspector General (OIG) investigation should be verified through official reports.