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Trump threatens Houthis, Iran with 'major military punishment' for Red Sea attacks

The Washington Times · back to the audit

President Trump said Thursday he is 'disappointed' in the Houthis, an Iran-backed faction in Yemen, for shooting at two Saudi oil tankers and vowed to punish the militants and their Tehran sponsors if they strike again. Mr. Trump said if they attack one more ship, 'major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis themselves, who I am very disappointed with in that they have, until now, acted very professionally and smart.' Disruptions in the Red Sea caused Brent crude oil prices to spike about 5% to $99 per barrel. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Houthis need to stand down. 'I hope that will de-escalate because I think the Houthis, frankly, got snookered into this thing by the Iranians.'