US warns Iran over Houthi support amid nuclear talks and military buildup

[MIDDLE EAST] U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a stern warning to Iran on Tuesday, cautioning that it will face repercussions for backing Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The warning comes even as Washington resumes indirect nuclear negotiations with Tehran.

Tensions in the region have intensified, with Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea disrupting global trade and heightening fears of a broader regional conflict. Observers note that the U.S. is attempting to strike a difficult balance—maintaining military pressure while preserving diplomatic engagement to prevent escalation.

Washington and Tehran have so far participated in three rounds of indirect talks, brokered by Oman, aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions in exchange for relief from U.S. sanctions. These talks represent the most significant diplomatic engagement between the two nations since the collapse of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which the U.S. exited under former President Donald Trump.

Despite the renewed dialogue, distrust remains high. Iran is pressing for assurances that Washington will not unilaterally withdraw from any future agreement, a concern that lingers from the Trump administration's withdrawal from the JCPOA. The next round of discussions is scheduled to take place in Rome on May 3.

“Message to IRAN: We see your LETHAL support to The Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing,” Hegseth wrote on X. “You know very well what the US Military is capable of — and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing.”

Iranian backing for the Houthis—formally known as Ansar Allah—has enabled the group to step up attacks using Iranian-provided drones and missiles. U.S. intelligence assessments indicate Iran’s support includes weaponry, tactical advice, and training, bolstering the group’s ability to strike maritime targets.

Hegseth later reposted a message from former President Trump on Truth Social, in which Trump vowed to hold Iran accountable for Houthi actions.

Tehran, for its part, insists that the Houthis operate independently. The group, which controls northern Yemen, has justified its attacks in the Red Sea as acts of solidarity with Palestinians.

Yemen’s prolonged humanitarian crisis, now in its tenth year, has complicated international responses to the Houthi threat. While the U.S. and its allies target the group’s military infrastructure, aid organizations warn that increased military pressure could worsen conditions in a country already on the brink of famine.

Since March, U.S. forces have conducted strikes on over 1,000 targets associated with the Houthis. At the same time, the Pentagon has expanded its military footprint in the region, deploying six B-2 stealth bombers to Diego Garcia—an island strategically positioned for Middle East operations.

Additionally, two U.S. aircraft carriers are currently stationed in the region, with air defense systems redeployed from Asia to bolster regional readiness.

This military posture underscores Washington’s strategy of deterrence and preparedness, with officials warning that any miscalculation could spark a broader war. With allies like Israel and Saudi Arabia closely watching developments, the risk to regional stability remains high.

Despite mutual statements favoring diplomacy, the U.S. and Iran remain far apart on key issues. Former President Trump, speaking to Time magazine earlier this month, expressed optimism about reaching an agreement but reiterated the threat of military action should talks collapse.