Biden Discloses U.S. Conveyed Private Message to Iran Regarding Houthi Attacks

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On Saturday, President Joe Biden revealed that the United States had discreetly conveyed a private message to Iran, specifically addressing the Iran-backed Houthis responsible for initiating attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

Biden shared with reporters at the White House, "We ensured the discreet delivery of this message, and we are confident in our state of preparedness," before heading to the Camp David presidential retreat for the weekend.

Following another overnight strike by the United States in Yemen, the Houthi movement issued a warning of a "strong and effective response," escalating tensions as Washington commits to protecting shipping from the Iran-aligned group's attacks.

The recent strike, characterized by the U.S. as targeting a radar site, came after numerous American and British strikes on Houthi facilities in Yemen the previous day.

On Friday, White House spokesperson John Kirby explained that the initial strikes had significantly impeded the Houthis' ability to store, launch, and guide missiles or drones—tools the group has employed to threaten shipping. He underscored that Washington has no desire for a conflict with Yemen.

Responding to reporters on Friday about whether he considered the term "terrorist" applicable to the Houthis, Biden, whose administration removed them from the State Department's list of "foreign terrorist organizations" in 2021, stated, "I think they are."