President Donald Trump has pledged to 'take care of' the Houthis if the group blocks Saudi ships in the Red Sea, amid a threatened maritime blockade and ongoing US-mediated talks between Lebanon and Israel, according to the Guardian.
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Key facts
- The Iran-based Houthi group said it plans to impose an immediate maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea, according to the Guardian.
- Trump pledged to 'take care of' the Houthis if they block Saudi ships.
- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun was due to meet Trump for the first time as he wrapped up a four-day visit to Washington.
- Trump said US airlines can resume direct flights to Lebanon.
- A Lebanon-Israel 'framework agreement' announced on 26 June covers Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah, according to the Guardian.
President Donald Trump has said the United States would ‘take care of’ the Houthis if the Iran-based group carries out a threatened maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea, according to the Guardian’s live coverage of the Middle East crisis.
The Houthis said they plan to impose an immediate maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea, a move that would raise tensions in one of the world’s most sensitive shipping corridors. Trump’s pledge came in response to that threat, the Guardian reported.
The developments coincided with a visit to Washington by Lebanon’s president, Joseph Aoun, who was due to meet Trump for the first time as he wrapped up a four-day trip, according to the Guardian. During the day, Trump also said US airlines can resume direct flights to Lebanon.
The visit came against the backdrop of ongoing US-mediated talks between Lebanon and Israel. The two sides announced a ‘framework agreement’ on 26 June, according to the Guardian.
That framework agreement stipulates the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon as well as the disarmament of Hezbollah, the Guardian reported.
It is not yet clear whether the Houthis will carry out the blockade or what specific steps the United States would take in response.
Why it matters
The Red Sea is a critical route for global shipping, and a Houthi blockade of Saudi Arabia could disrupt trade and risk drawing the United States into a wider confrontation. Trump's pledge and the parallel Lebanon-Israel talks point to US involvement across multiple flashpoints in the region.
Frequently asked questions
What did the Houthis threaten to do?
According to the Guardian, the Iran-based Houthi group said it plans to impose an immediate maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea.
What did Trump say he would do?
Trump pledged to 'take care of' the Houthis if the group blocks Saudi ships. He also said US airlines can resume direct flights to Lebanon.
What is the Lebanon-Israel framework agreement?
Announced on 26 June, the framework agreement stipulates the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah, according to the Guardian.
Timeline
- Trump pledges to ‘take care of’ Houthis if group blocks Saudi ships and says US airlines can resume direct flights to Lebanon – live
The Guardian World: The Iran-based group said it plans to impose an immediate maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea Lebanon’s president, Joseph Aoun, is due to meet Donald Trump for the first time today as he wraps up a four-day visit to Washington. The meeting coincides with ongoing US-m
- Trump pledges to ‘take care of’ Houthis if group blocks Saudi ships – Middle East crisis live
The Guardian World: The Iran-based group said it plans to impose an immediate maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea Lebanon’s president, Joseph Aoun, is due to meet Donald Trump for the first time today as he wraps up a four-day visit to Washington. The meeting coincides with ongoing US-m