U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz: Houthi Leadership Targeted, Iran’s Nuclear Program Faces Full Dismantlement

U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz announced military strikes against Houthi leadership in Yemen to secure maritime routes, criticizing prior administration tactics. He also warned Iran about its nuclear program, insisting on dismantlement. The U.S. aims to counter Iranian influence, highlighting regional and global security implications amidst escalating tensions.

hassan benyoub hassan benyoub
Mar 23, 2025 - 18:15
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U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz: Houthi Leadership Targeted, Iran’s Nuclear Program Faces Full Dismantlement
US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz

Washington, D.C., March 23, 2025, 4:00 PM PDT – U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz announced significant military actions against Houthi leadership in Yemen and issued a stern warning to Iran regarding its nuclear program during interviews on Sunday. Speaking on ABC News’ This Week and CBS News’ Face the Nation, Waltz detailed the Trump administration’s aggressive strategy to secure maritime routes and dismantle Iran’s nuclear ambitions, as shared on X by @WhiteHouseSecurity.

Strikes on Houthi Leadership

Waltz revealed that U.S. airstrikes in Yemen successfully “took out key Houthi leadership, including their head missileer,” targeting their headquarters, communication centers, weapons factories, and drone production facilities, per ABC News (web ID: 0). He emphasized the strategic importance of keeping maritime routes open, noting, “Due to the Houthis, 75% of our U.S.-flagged shipments have had to detour around South Africa’s southern coast instead of passing through the Suez Canal.” Waltz criticized the previous administration’s “ineffective” approach, stating, “President Trump and his administration decided to take much tougher action, and we’ll see what happens, but I believe it will be far more effective,” per ABC News.

The Houthis, backed by Iran, have disrupted Red Sea shipping since late 2023, forcing 70% of global commerce to reroute, increasing costs, per CNBC (web ID: 1). U.S. strikes, which began on March 15, aim to curb these attacks, with Trump warning of severe consequences on X, per @POTUS.

Iran’s Nuclear Program Under Scrutiny

Waltz also addressed Iran’s nuclear ambitions, declaring, “We will fully dismantle Iran’s nuclear program; Iran must abandon its nuclear program in a way the whole world can see.” He warned, “If they don’t, the situation is heading toward escalation. All options are on the table, and it’s time for Iran to completely abandon its desire for a nuclear weapon,” per CBS News (web ID: 2). He highlighted the risks, stating, “We’ve seen the death and destruction Iran causes through its proxies—Hezbollah, the Assad regime, the Houthis, and others. If they acquired nuclear weapons, the entire Middle East would erupt in an arms race. That’s completely unacceptable for our national security.”

Waltz noted Iran’s weakened position, saying, “Iran is in its worst national security state since 1979, due to the weakening of Hezbollah and Hamas, the collapse of the Assad regime, and the destruction of its air defenses by Israel,” per Politico (web ID: 3). The Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign aims to collapse Iran’s economy, per Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, as reported by CNBC.

Regional and Global Implications

The U.S. actions against the Houthis and Iran reflect a broader strategy to counter Iran’s influence, with Waltz emphasizing the need to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran, per CBS News. Posts on X, like @USNatSec’s, support the strikes, while @IranWatch warns of escalation risks. The Houthis’ attacks, including a recent missile strike on Israel, have drawn U.S. retaliation, with 53 reported deaths in Yemen since March 15, per Al-Masirah TV.

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