Trump Warns of U.S. Response if Houthi Rebels Block Red Sea

President Donald Trump issued a warning on Tuesday, stating that the United States will take action if Yemen's Houthi rebels make good on their threat to impose a maritime blockade in the Red Sea, as reported by EFE.

The remarks were made during a meeting at the White House with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. When asked by a journalist about his concerns regarding a potential closure of this vital shipping route, Trump responded, "It hasn't happened yet. It might happen, but we will handle it."

He reminded attendees that his administration had previously used force against the group, resulting in a period of extended calm. "We executed roughly 45 days of significant actions against the Houthis, and since then, we've had no issues with them," Trump stated.

Rising Tensions Following Houthi Announcements

This warning comes just a day after Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea declared an immediate maritime embargo against ships linked to Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea, threatening to close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This narrow passage, only 32 kilometers wide, separates Yemen from the Horn of Africa.

Commercial impacts are already being felt: within 24 hours of the Houthi warnings, at least six vessels turned back, and two Saudi oil tankers bound for China and India rerouted their journey toward the Suez Canal.

Global Impact of Potential Blockade

A complete shutdown of Bab al-Mandeb could potentially cut global oil supply by 7%, given the volume of Saudi exports that pass through this route.

Saudi Arabia, a crucial ally of Washington, condemned the Houthi announcement on Monday and vowed to take "all necessary measures" to safeguard its ships.

Escalation Amidst Fragile Peace Efforts

This escalation marks the most severe confrontation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis since the two sides, backed by the UN, began a reconciliation process in 2022. This effort significantly reduced cross-border assaults but failed to achieve a definitive peace deal.

The ceasefire crumbled after the bombing of Sana'a Airport on July 13, which the Houthis blamed on Saudi Arabia. However, the internationally recognized Yemeni government admitted to the attack to prevent the landing of an Iranian plane carrying a Houthi delegation.

A blockade in the Red Sea could introduce a new regional tension point at a delicate time: the U.S. and Iran signed a peace agreement in June that included reopening the Strait of Hormuz. However, the Houthis, despite being Tehran's allies, are not part of that agreement and maintain their operational independence.

In March 2025, Trump ordered airstrikes against the Houthis in the first military action of his second term, a campaign lasting approximately 45 days that significantly curtailed the group's activities.

Trump Open to Dialogue with Hizbullah

During the same meeting with Aoun, Trump expressed willingness to engage in talks with the Shiite group Hizbullah if requested by the Lebanese president. "If the president says he wants me to talk to Hizbullah, I will," Trump stated, emphasizing that he "talks to everyone."

Regarding the situation in Lebanon, Trump assured that the Israeli army is progressing with its withdrawal from southern Lebanon as part of the trilateral agreement signed on June 26 in Washington. However, on that same Tuesday, Israeli forces opened fire near a Lebanese army unit in Zawtar al-Gharbiya, an area from which Israel had agreed to withdraw.

"I just learned about that right before this meeting, so we will look into it," Trump commented on the incident.