Marco Rubio says recent US attacks on Houthis were a message to Iran

The US Secretary of State announced in a television interview that the recent airstrikes by the US against the positions of the Houthi militia in Yemen were a message to Tehran. Marco Rubio stated on Sunday, March 17, in an interview with CBS that it is impossible for the Houthis to have the capability for such attacks without support from Tehran. He added that the US attacks on Saturday against Houthi positions in Yemen were 'a message to Iran: do not continue to support the Houthis, because if you do, you are also responsible for their attacks on naval vessels and international shipping.' Mr. Rubio also emphasized that US attacks on this group would continue until their ability to attack military and commercial ships is eliminated. The US Secretary of Defense also stated that the United States would continue its attacks against the Houthis in Yemen until they stop their attacks on commercial ships. Pete Hegseth, on Sunday, told Fox News, 'As soon as the Houthis declare that they will no longer attack our ships, we will not shoot at their drones, but until then we will continue our attacks.' The United States has begun extensive airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthis on Saturday and warned Tehran to immediately stop supporting this group, which is designated as terrorist by the US. The US Secretary of Defense emphasized that this operation is aimed at protecting US assets and restoring freedom of navigation in the vital Red Sea route. According to Pete Hegseth, the Islamic Republic of Iran has long supported the Houthis, and now it is time for Tehran to retreat. The Houthi-controlled Health Ministry claimed that at least 53 people were killed in Yemen as a result of US attacks. In response to these attacks, Hossein Salami, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, denied any connection between the Islamic Republic and the destabilizing operations of the Houthis in Yemen, stating, 'I warn all enemies that we will respond to any threat that takes on a practical aspect with a tough, decisive, and devastating reaction.' The Iranian Foreign Ministry also condemned the US attacks on Houthi positions. Meanwhile, Donald Trump, the US President, who considers Iran the main supporter of the Houthis, emphasized that if the Islamic Republic threatens the US, the United States will not have a friendly response. The Iran-backed Houthis, who have been attacking military and commercial ships since the onset of the Gaza war, warned that they might escalate their attacks in response to the deadly US strikes carried out the day before. A military spokesperson for the Houthis claimed on Sunday that in response to the US attacks, the group targeted the US aircraft carrier 'Harry Truman' and its warships in the Red Sea with ballistic missiles and drones. However, a US Defense Department official, who wished to remain anonymous, denied this claim and told Reuters that no attack had been made by the Houthis on the 'Truman.' Meanwhile, Russia, through its Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, called for an immediate halt to hostilities and the initiation of political dialogue. The airstrikes on Saturday against the Houthis in Yemen represent the largest US military operation in the Middle East since Donald Trump took office on January 20. Reuters and other media outlets have reported, citing US officials, that these attacks are not limited to just one day and will continue.