U.S. Defense Secretary Declares Unrelenting Campaign Against Houthis Until Aggression Ceases
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that U.S. military operations against Iranian-backed Houthis will persist until their aggressive actions cease. Following President Trump’s airstrike orders, Hegseth emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation and threatened Iran with accountability for supporting the Houthis. He noted significant economic impacts from Houthi aggression and stressed that Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions.
During a recent media interview, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the U.S. military’s operations against Iranian-backed Houthis will persist until the group ceases its aggressive actions against U.S. vessels. His statements followed President Donald J. Trump’s directive for U.S. Central Command to initiate airstrikes against Houthi forces in Yemen on March 15, 2025.
Hegseth underscored that “freedom of navigation is basic; it’s a core national interest.” He articulated that the ongoing campaign aims to restore deterrence in the region while ensuring navigational freedom. He asserted that the campaign would not cease until the Houthis agree to halt attacks on U.S. ships and drones, stating, “this campaign will end [when they comply,] but until then, it will be unrelenting.”
The airstrikes, according to Hegseth, were also intended to communicate a strong message to Iran regarding its backing of the Houthis. He stated, “Your support of the Houthis needs to end immediately. We will hold you accountable as the sponsor of this proxy, and I echo [the president’s] statement [that] we will not be nice about it.”
The aggressive actions of the Houthis in the Red Sea region have been ongoing since October 2023, when a U.S. Navy destroyer intercepted missiles that were fired at Israel. Since that incident, the Houthis have executed over 100 drone and missile strikes against American and allied vessels, prompting significant alterations in commercial shipping routes to evade potential attacks, which has incurred substantial economic costs.
Hegseth equated the severe economic ramifications of Houthi aggressions to “being held hostage by a terrorist organization,” noting that the Trump administration has labeled the Houthis as terrorists. He reiterated that these airstrikes are not isolated incidents, but part of a sustained effort to restore navigational freedom, an essential national interest of the United States.
Addressing Iranian influence, Hegseth warned that despite Iran’s perceived weakened state alongside its proxies, including Hamas and Hezbollah, the potential for aggression persists. Emphasizing a firm stance, Hegseth declared, “Iran must get that clear message and negotiate the end of their pursuit for nuclear weapons because … President Trump has said clearly that they will not get a bomb.”
In conclusion, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reaffirmed the commitment of the U.S. military to continue operations against the Iranian-backed Houthis until their aggression towards U.S. vessels ceases. The airstrikes initiated under President Trump are aimed at restoring navigational freedom and sending a definitive message to Iran regarding its support for the Houthis. Hegseth’s comments illuminate the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region and underscore the U.S. stance on Iranian nuclear ambitions.
Original Source: www.defense.gov
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