Yemen rebels threaten new Red Sea attack as US aircraft carrier heads toward Iran

Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Renew Maritime Threats as U.S. Carrier Approaches Iran

Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have issued new threats against ships traversing the Red Sea, a move analysts view as a show of support for Iran amid rising tensions with the United States. The development comes as Iran faces international scrutiny over its brutal crackdown on nationwide protests that have left thousands dead.

The Houthis released a brief video featuring previously published footage of a burning ship with the ominous caption “Soon.” While providing no specific details, the message appears to signal a potential resumption of attacks in the strategically vital waterway. The rebels had previously targeted over 100 vessels in a campaign they claimed was meant to pressure Israel over its military operations in Gaza.

This renewed maritime threat coincides with the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group’s deployment to the region. Former President Donald Trump stated the naval assets were being positioned “just in case” military action against Iran becomes necessary. Trump has established two red lines that could trigger U.S. intervention: the killing of peaceful protesters and mass executions of detained demonstrators.

Iranian officials have responded with their own warnings. Defense Ministry spokesperson Gen. Reza Talaei-Nik cautioned Monday that any attack by the U.S. or Israel would “be met with a response that is more painful and more decisive than in the past.” State television quoted Talaei-Nik saying that threats from both nations required Iran “to maintain full and comprehensive preparedness.”

In a provocative display, Iranian authorities unveiled a banner in Tehran’s Enghelab Square depicting an American aircraft carrier covered in blood with the warning: “If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind.” The visual rhetoric underscores the escalating war of words between Washington and Tehran.

Despite its defiant posture, Iran remains militarily vulnerable following Israel’s 12-day military campaign in June, which severely degraded Iranian air defense systems, killed top military leaders, and was followed by U.S. strikes on nuclear enrichment facilities.

Signs of Tehran’s nervousness about potential airspace violations emerged Sunday when authorities issued a notice prohibiting small private aircraft from flying in the country, with exceptions for oil industry operations and emergency medical flights. Many Western airlines have already rerouted to avoid Iranian airspace entirely, though some Gulf carriers serving Moscow still utilize these routes. The caution follows Iran’s tragic 2020 downing of a Ukrainian commercial airliner that killed all 176 people aboard.

The crisis stems from protests that erupted on December 28, triggered by the collapse of Iran’s currency, the rial. The demonstrations quickly spread nationwide before facing a brutal government response. Details of the crackdown are only now becoming clear as Iran emerges from a two-week internet blackout—the most comprehensive in the nation’s history.

According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, the death toll has reached 5,848 people, with over 41,280 arrested. These figures, which rely on a network of in-country activists, exceed casualties from any protest movement in Iran in decades, approaching levels last seen during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The organization warns that numbers are likely to increase as more information becomes available.

Iranian authorities dispute these figures, claiming a much lower death toll of 3,117—with 2,427 classified as civilians and security forces, and the remainder labeled “terrorists.” Historically, Iran’s government has significantly underreported or concealed fatalities resulting from domestic unrest.

The converging crises—internal protests, international pressure, and regional proxy threats—place Iran in an increasingly precarious position as the USS Abraham Lincoln continues its approach to the region.