Iran's FM Rejects Trump's Threats, Warns Against U.S. Escalation

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified following a heated exchange between U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. In response to Trump’s recent threats, Araghchi dismissed Washington’s ability to dictate terms to Iran, warning that the era of imposing foreign policies on Tehran ended with the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Speaking via his official X account on Sunday, Araghchi declared, "Washington cannot impose its foreign policy measures on us. The era of dictating terms to Iran ended in 1979 with the overthrow of the Shah’s regime."

His statement came in direct response to Trump’s latest warning, in which the U.S. president demanded that Iran immediately cease its support for the Houthis in Yemen and refrain from threatening American citizens.

Trump, in a strongly worded post on Truth Social on Saturday, stated, "To Iran: Support for the Houthi terrorists must end IMMEDIATELY!"

"Do NOT threaten the American People, their President... or Worldwide shipping lanes. If you do, BEWARE, because America will hold you fully accountable and, we won't be nice about it!" he added.

The escalation follows a series of U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen, a move Washington says is aimed at defending its interests and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

U.S. Launches Major Strikes Against the Houthis

The United States launched its first large-scale military strikes against Yemen’s Houthi militants since President Trump took office, marking a significant escalation in Washington’s confrontation with Iran-backed proxies.

The airstrikes, which took place late Saturday, reportedly killed at least 31 people and wounded more than 100, according to Houthi sources. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the operation, stating that it aimed to "defend American interests, deter enemies, and restore freedom of navigation."

Read More: Trump Unleashes 'Overwhelming Lethal Force' Against Iran-Backed Houthis in Yemen

CENTCOM released images showing the destruction of targeted militant sites, including a bomb leveling a key Houthi compound. According to U.S. officials, the strikes were carefully planned to minimize civilian casualties while neutralizing critical Houthi military infrastructure.

CENTCOM operations against Iran-backed Houthis continue... pic.twitter.com/DYvc3gREN8

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 15, 2025

A Threat to Global Trade and Stability

The Iran-aligned Houthis, who have controlled much of Yemen for over a decade, have emerged as a major threat to global trade and regional stability.

Under the banner of Tehran’s so-called “axis of resistance,” the group has launched hundreds of missile and drone attacks on international shipping, claiming solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Since 2023, Pentagon officials report that Houthis have attacked U.S. warships 174 times and targeted commercial vessels 145 times, severely disrupting maritime trade through the Red Sea—a passage responsible for 12% of global shipping traffic.

The persistent aggression has forced major shipping companies to reroute vessels around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, increasing costs and delaying critical supplies worldwide.

Frustration in Washington has reached a breaking point. Trump, known for his aggressive national security posture, delivered a blunt warning on social media: "To all Houthi terrorists, YOUR TIME IS UP, AND YOUR ATTACKS MUST STOP, STARTING TODAY. IF THEY DON’T, HELL WILL RAIN DOWN UPON YOU LIKE NOTHING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE!"

Read More: Hellfire Over Yemen: U.S. Strikes Kill at Least 31, Wound Over 100 as Trump Warns Iran

Iran’s Hand and the Growing Proxy War

Despite mounting international pressure, Iran maintains its position in its support for the Houthis, providing weaponry, intelligence, and financial backing.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the U.S. strikes, stating that Washington had "no authority" to dictate Tehran’s foreign policy.

Trump, however, dismissed such rhetoric, issuing an ultimatum to Iran to "immediately" cut its support. His administration has also reinstated the Houthis’ designation as a foreign terrorist organization, making any U.S. interaction with the group illegal.

The Houthis, meanwhile, have vowed revenge.

Their political bureau declared on Al-Masirah TV: "Our Yemeni armed forces are fully prepared to confront escalation with escalation." This statement underscores the likelihood of further retaliatory strikes, potentially drawing the region deeper into conflict.

A Broader Confrontation with Iran’s Proxies

The latest offensive against the Houthis is part of a wider U.S. strategy to curb Tehran’s influence in the region.

Trump has consistently taken a hardline approach to Iran-backed militias, previously ordering the elimination of Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani in 2020, a move that significantly weakened Iran’s operational capabilities.

Just weeks ago, Trump had extended a diplomatic olive branch to Iranian leaders, offering a path to de-escalation and potential talks over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

However, Tehran’s continued backing of its militant proxies has forced Washington’s hand, leading to the latest round of military action.

The Houthis have claimed that the U.S. strikes resulted in civilian casualties, a narrative that mirrors previous accusations aimed at deflecting attention from their own destabilizing activities.

However, U.S. officials argue that decisive action is necessary to prevent further disruptions to global trade and protect American personnel.

Britain’s Silence, Hamas’s Outrage

While the United States has taken the lead in targeting Houthi positions, some operations have received indirect support from Britain.

However, London has remained notably silent on the latest round of strikes. Meanwhile, Hamas—another Iran-backed group—has condemned the attacks as a “stark violation of international law,” further highlighting the broader implications of the U.S. escalation.

A Test of U.S. Resolve

With tensions rising, all eyes are on Tehran and its network of militant groups. Trump’s warning signals a willingness to escalate beyond precision strikes if necessary, raising concerns of a broader confrontation. The U.S. has made it clear that continued Houthi aggression will be met with overwhelming force.

The coming days will be critical in determining whether Iran reins in its proxies or whether the situation spirals into a larger conflict. What remains certain is that the battlefield is set, and the stakes have never been higher.