Trump Warns Houthis and Iran: Stop Attacks on US Ships or Face ‘Real Pain’

US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis and Tehran, stating that continued attacks on American ships will lead to “real pain” for both parties. In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized that US strikes on the Houthis will persist until they cease posing a threat to shipping lanes, amid escalating tensions in the region.

Trump laid out a direct choice for the Houthis in his statement: “Stop shooting at US ships, and we will stop shooting at you. Otherwise, we have only just begun, and the real pain is yet to come, for both the Houthis and their sponsors in Iran.” The warning follows relentless US military strikes on Houthi targets since March 15.

He underscored that the operations aim to ensure “Freedom of Navigation” in critical maritime routes.

The US President claimed that the Houthis have been “decimated” by continuous strikes, stating, “We hit them every day and night—harder and harder.” He asserted that the campaign, which began over two weeks ago, has significantly weakened their capabilities to disrupt shipping.

The strikes are part of a broader response to Houthi attacks on vessels, which the group has linked to its stance against Israel’s actions in Gaza.

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Trump’s message also tied the Houthis’ actions to Iran, their primary backer. This comes alongside his earlier warning of potential bombings if Iran fails to negotiate over its nuclear program. “Our attacks will continue until they are no longer a threat,” he reiterated, signaling a hardline stance against Tehran’s regional influence.

The dual focus on maritime security and nuclear talks highlights escalating US-Iran tensions.

The administration’s narrative faced scrutiny after a leaked chat between senior US officials surfaced last week. Reported by The Atlantic, the chat—accidentally shared with an editor via Signal—revealed National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth discussing strike timings and intelligence.

Trump dismissed the leak as a “witch hunt,” while White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “This case has been closed here at the White House as far as we are concerned.”

Despite the controversy, Trump has repeatedly insisted on the success of the strikes, claiming they have neutralized significant Houthi threats. The administration maintains that the operations are restoring safety to shipping routes, a vital artery for global trade.

The White House has not detailed future strike plans but stressed their ongoing nature until the threat subsides.