Yemen Strikes Escalate Mideast Conflict, U.S. and Allies Warn Iran

The U.S. and its allies launched airstrikes on nearly 30 sites in Yemen on Thursday and Friday, in response to a series of missile and drone attacks by the Houthi rebels on American and Western ships in the Red Sea.

The strikes, which involved fighter jets and sea-launched missiles, were the most extensive military action by the U.S.-led coalition since the start of the Israel-Hamas war nearly 100 days ago.

The Yemen strikes marked a significant escalation in the regional conflict, which has already spread to Lebanon, Iraq and Syria, where Iran and its proxies have been supporting Hamas and other militant groups against Israel and the U.S. President Biden and his aides have been trying to contain the war, fearing that it could quickly draw in American forces and jeopardize the nuclear talks with Iran.

The U.S. and its allies said the strikes were aimed at deterring further attacks by the Houthis, who are backed by Iran, and protecting the freedom of navigation in the vital waterway. They also warned Iran that they would not tolerate its continued interference and aggression in the region.

Iran, however, denied any involvement in the Houthi attacks and condemned the U.S.-led strikes as a violation of Yemen's sovereignty and international law.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson said the strikes were a sign of the U.S.'s frustration and desperation, and accused the U.S. of trying to sabotage the nuclear talks in Vienna.

The Yemen strikes have raised the stakes for the diplomatic efforts to end the regional war and revive the 2015 nuclear deal, which the U.S. withdrew from in 2018.

The talks, which have been stalled for weeks, are expected to resume next week, but the prospects of a breakthrough are uncertain.

Analysts say the U.S. and its allies are walking a fine line between deterrence and escalation, and that the regional conflict could spiral out of control if Iran and its allies retaliate or provoke further attacks. They also warn that the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, which is already the world's worst, could worsen as a result of the strikes.