The Yemeni group Ansar Allah (Houthis) does not intend to reduce the intensity of its operations against Israeli shipping in the Red Sea, despite military strikes by the United States and diplomatic signals from Tehran, Houthi spokesman Jamal Amer, who holds the post of "foreign minister" in the group's structure, said in an interview with Reuters. The statement came after another series of American attacks on Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, which began on March 15 on the orders of US President Donald Trump. 

Amer stressed that the Houthis would not make concessions as long as the blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza, where Israel has resumed fighting against Hamas, remains in place. "Reducing our operations is not possible as long as Gaza remains under pressure. Iran can mediate, but it does not dictate terms to us," he said, commenting on reports from two Iranian officials that Tehran had attempted to urge the Houthis to de-escalate. According to Reuters, the verbal message was delivered on Friday through the group's envoy in Tehran, but was rejected. 

The Houthis are expanding their attack targets. While they previously focused on Israeli ships, Amer said the group now considers itself at war with the United States and is prepared to respond to any attack. “America has escalated, and we have the right to self-defense. Pressure will not make us retreat,” he said, adding that the group would remain active in the Red Sea. He also addressed the Gulf states, welcoming their neutrality but warning that any involvement in military action against the Houthis — such as providing bases or air power — would result in a harsh response. 

The conflict in the Red Sea is escalating amid events in Gaza. Since November 2023, the Houthis have carried out more than 100 attacks on merchant ships, linking their actions to support the Palestinians. Operations were suspended in January 2025 after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect, but the resumption of IDF fighting in the enclave has triggered a new wave of activity. On the morning of March 18, the Houthis launched a rocket towards Israel that was intercepted outside the country, the first such incident since the new escalation began. 

According to Al Jazeera, the group has attacked the US aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman three times in the Red Sea in the past 48 hours, using missiles and drones. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the interceptions, saying the ship was not damaged. Experts attribute the Houthis’ actions to support from Iran, which continues to supply the group with weapons despite public calls for restraint. Against this backdrop, Trump threatened “rain from hell” if the attacks do not stop on Truth Social, indicating the possibility of further strikes in Yemen.