WANA (Mar 18) – The White House has confirmed that Israel consulted with the U.S. government before launching its latest round of airstrikes on Gaza. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said that Israel coordinated with the administration of President Donald Trump ahead of its overnight attacks on Gaza.

 

Leavitt also referenced Trump’s recent warnings, stating: “The President has made it clear that Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis (Ansarullah), and Iran will face consequences for threatening the security of Israel and the United States. They should all take Trump seriously.”

 

She reiterated Trump’s unwavering support for Israel, adding: “He is committed to standing with his law-abiding people and supporting America’s ally, Israel, and the bond between our nations.”

 

U.S. Strikes in Yemen and Tensions in the Red Sea

The White House spokesperson described the recent U.S. airstrikes in Yemen—carried out under the pretext of countering Ansarullah—as a “success” despite reports of civilian casualties. She added that President Trump has warned of further attacks if Houthi assaults on Red Sea shipping persist.

 

Leavitt blamed the Biden administration for the current instability in the Middle East, claiming: “Because of Joe Biden’s failure to address the Houthi threat, we are now facing chaos in the region.”

 

She also asserted that Biden’s policies had emboldened Iran, stating that the previous administration had lifted Trump’s effective sanctions on Tehran, allowing Iran to grow “wealthier and stronger,” which in turn empowered its regional allies.

 

Trump Threatens Iran Over Yemen Conflict

Amid growing concerns over U.S. involvement in another Middle Eastern war, Trump recently escalated his rhetoric against Iran. In a statement on Monday night, he declared:

 

“From this moment on, any missile fired from Yemen will be considered an attack by Iran. Iran will face serious consequences for these actions.”

 

He further alleged: “Make no mistake! Hundreds of attacks by the Houthis—who are despised by the people of Yemen—originate from and are orchestrated by Iran.”

 

However, Trump’s claim of widespread Yemeni opposition to Ansarullah stands in contrast to a mass demonstration on Monday, where millions rallied in support of Sana’a’s anti-American and anti-Israeli policies.

 

Iran Responds to U.S. Threats

Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, had already dismissed the accusations and warned: “We will firmly respond to any aggression against Iran’s territorial integrity, security, or national interests. There is no doubt about this.”

 

Baghaei also emphasized that the Yemeni people make independent decisions regarding their support for the Palestinian resistance, stating: “The government and people of Yemen act on their own accord in determining their stance on Palestine and resistance efforts.”

 

Iran has consistently denied accusations of militarily supporting Ansarullah, reiterating that it does not control Yemeni forces. Iranian officials have also warned that any direct aggression against Iran will be met with a decisive response.

 

Ansarullah, a political and military organization, operates independently based on its own ideological and strategic objectives. Contrary to Western claims, including those made by Trump, Iran does not command proxy forces in the region, nor does Yemen take orders from Tehran.