President Donald Trump stated today that the United States will hold Iran accountable for any future attacks by Iran-backed Houthis in the Strait of Hormuz, warning of "serious military punishment" if the group attacks vessels again, UNN reports citing CNN.
Trump's warning came after Iran-backed Houthis from Yemen claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, days after announcing a naval blockade of Saudi ships.
"(If) they do it again, the US will hold Iran accountable because the Houthis are puppets and/or proxies of Iran... serious military punishment will be applied," he said.
Reports of the attacks caused global oil prices to exceed $98 per barrel.