President Joe Biden said that the United States (US) has delivered a private message to Iran about its support for Houthis in targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
Biden’s statement came on Saturday, January 13, during a tour of a coffee shop in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
In response to a reporter asking whether he had any message for Iran in light of the attacks, Biden stated, “I’ve already delivered the message to Iran. They know not to do anything.”
“We will make sure we respond to the Houthis if they continue this outrageous behavior along with our allies,” he added.
Biden denied any proxy war with Iran, stating that Iran does not want a war with the US.
He defended strikes by warplanes, US Navy destroyers, and submarines, claiming no civilian casualties and citing their success as another reason.
The statement was issued following the US and UK’s air strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in southern Yemen on Thursday, January 11, and Friday, January 12.
The strikes were triggered by Houthi attacks on Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea.
The strikes resulted in five deaths and six injuries, according to the Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree.
