Trump Warns Iran-Backed Houthis; Says Israel Withdrawing from Lebanon

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning Tuesday, stating that the United States would "take care" of Yemen's Houthi rebels if the Iran-backed group follows through on threats to block Saudi Arabian ports. Trump made these remarks during a meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun in the Oval Office. He also confirmed that Israel is currently in the process of withdrawing its soldiers from Lebanon.

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If something like that happens, we will take care of it.

Responding to a journalist's question about the Houthis, who announced a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia on Monday, Trump stated, "If something like that happens, we will take care of it." Such a move could disrupt navigation through the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait, potentially causing further tremors in energy markets, especially in conjunction with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

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Their transfer to other sections is now underway. Again, they are cooperating very well (with the Lebanese army).

Regarding the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, which they occupy, Trump indicated that the process has already begun. "Their transfer to other sections is now underway. Again, they are cooperating very well (with the Lebanese army)," he noted. When asked how the U.S. could support the Lebanese army in this operation, Trump stated he would discuss the matter with the Lebanese president, adding that "very specific plans are ready" involving others to provide assistance, and that Lebanon is becoming increasingly self-sufficient.

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We have very specific plans ready, in which others will also be involved and will help.

President Aoun urged Trump to maintain U.S. support for the Lebanese army, warning that chaos, similar to that in the 1970s, could return to southern Lebanon without Washington's backing. Before the presidential meeting, Trump also addressed the recent escalation with Iran, despite a memorandum of understanding signed between Washington and Tehran intended to pave the way for negotiations on a final peace agreement. "If we left now, it would take Iran 20 to 25 years to recover. We are not done yet," Trump declared when asked how long it would take to stop Iranian threats in the Strait of Hormuz if a peace agreement is not reached. He reiterated his claim that if the U.S. had not attacked Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025, Tehran "would have had a nuclear weapon and Israel would not exist."

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If we left now, it would take Iran 20 to 25 years to recover. We are not done yet.