Photo: EPA
HARRISON TOWNSHIP, April 30, Reutersreports – US Defence Secretary Pete Hagel warned Iran on Wednesday of consequences for supporting the Houthis despite the resumption of talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear programme.
The United States and Iran have held three rounds of indirect talks mediated by Oman aimed at reaching a deal that would block Tehran’s access to nuclear weapons but also lift economic sanctions imposed by Washington. The next round of talks will take place in Rome on Saturday.
“Message to Iran: we see your DEADLY support for the Houthis. We know exactly what you’re doing,” Ghegseth wrote on social media site X. “You know exactly what the US military is capable of – you have been warned. You WILL bear the consequences at a time and place of our choosing.”
Hegseth later reposted President Donald Trump’s Truth Social post from March on his X account, in which he said that Iran would be responsible for any attacks carried out by the Houthis.
Iran’s leader has previously stated that the Yemeni Houthis are acting independently. The group controls the north of Yemen and attacks ships in the Red Sea, claiming that these are actions of solidarity with the Palestinians.
The US has stepped up its strikes against the Houthis since March, hitting more than 1,000 targets. The Pentagon has recently deployed additional forces to the region, including six B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia Island in the Indian Ocean, which is considered an ideal base for operations in the Middle East. In addition, two US aircraft carriers are in the region, and air defence systems have been redeployed from Asia.
Although Tehran and Washington declare their readiness for diplomacy, the parties remain far from resolving the conflict that has lasted for more than two decades. In a recent interview with Time, Trump expressed confidence in the possibility of a deal with Iran, but reiterated his threat of military action if diplomacy fails.
