U.S. Defense Secretary Warns Iran of Consequences for Supporting Houthis

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a stern warning to Iran on Wednesday, cautioning that there will be consequences for its support of Yemen’s Houthi rebels. This comes amid renewed U.S.-Iran indirect talks over reviving a nuclear agreement, with mediation by Oman and a scheduled meeting in Rome.

In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Hegseth wrote:
“Message to IRAN: We see your LETHAL support to The Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing. You know very well what the U.S. Military is capable of — and you were warned. You will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing.”

The warning follows a recent incident where a Houthi drone targeted the USS Harry S. Truman, forcing it into evasive action and reportedly causing a $67 million F-18 fighter jet to fall into the Red Sea.

The U.S. has responded with over 1,000 military strikes since March and bolstered its military presence in the region, including deploying B-2 bombers and two aircraft carriers.

While both Tehran and Washington express interest in a diplomatic resolution, their longstanding nuclear dispute remains unresolved. President Trump has reiterated willingness to strike Iran if diplomacy fails, though he remains hopeful for a deal.

Iran has yet to issue an official response to Hegseth’s warning.