Trump Threatens Iran and Houthis: Targeting Saudi Ships Met with 'Major Military Punishment'

July 23, 2026 - 15:42 | Last updated July 23, 2026 - 15:42

Trump (AP)

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US President Donald Trump today (Thursday) held Iran responsible for the Houthi attack on a Saudi ship, emphasizing that the Houthis are a group affiliated with or a proxy for Iran.

Trump wrote on his platform Truth Social: 'Iran will face major military punishment, as will the Houthis themselves,' adding: 'I am very disappointed with the Houthis, because until now they were acting professionally and intelligently.'

Trump said: A year ago, the United States launched a very strong attack on the Houthis due to their interference in trade and navigation by targeting ships, and since that time, and during our conflict with Iran, they have acted very responsibly. But unfortunately, they have started again, after opening fire on two Saudi ships last night.

Trump stressed: Let this statement be a clear confirmation: if they do it again, the United States will hold Iran responsible.

A responsible source in the Saudi Transport General Authority announced that the ship ENCELIA, belonging to one of the Saudi companies, was targeted while sailing in the Red Sea, causing a fire in the front of the ship.

The source confirmed, in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the safety of all crew members, and that the competent authorities have taken all necessary measures to secure the ship and its crew and protect the marine environment, noting that these attacks represent a violation of international laws and norms that guarantee the safety of commercial ships and their crews.

Saudi Arabia Trump Houthi Iran