Overview
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a direct warning to Iran, stating it will face consequences for its 'lethal' support to the Houthi militia in Yemen.
- The U.S. has conducted over 1,000 airstrikes against Houthi targets since March, intensifying its campaign in response to Red Sea shipping disruptions.
- The Pentagon has deployed six B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia, stationed two aircraft carriers in the Middle East, and repositioned air defense systems to the region.
- A Houthi drone incident earlier this week forced the USS Harry S. Truman to take evasive action, reportedly leading to the loss of a $67 million F-18 fighter jet into the Red Sea.
- U.S. and Iranian negotiators are set to restart nuclear talks in Rome on Saturday, highlighting Washington's dual strategy of military deterrence and diplomatic engagement.