Today, Martha, Les, Morgan, and Jess discuss the latest U.S. strikes on the Houthis in Yemen and whether they will effectively stop further attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have been disrupting maritime operations in the region for 17 months—but will this action truly restore deterrence?

Is this about targeting the Houthis, or is it really a move against Iran? With Trump designating the Houthis as a terrorist organization and signaling maximum pressure to Tehran, how does this fit into his broader strategy for the Middle East? And, more broadly, as the Houthis continue attacking Western ships while sparing Chinese vessels, where exactly does Beijing stand in this conflict?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Check out the sources that helped shape our Fellows’ discussion: 

https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5196769-vance-musk-doge-federal-workforce-mistakes/

https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/in-yemen-strikes-trump-takes-on-a-group-that-has-outlasted-powerful-foes-70ef7b3d?mod=hp_lead_pos8

https://abcnews.go.com/International/iranian-general-raises-prospect-response-amid-us-strikes/story?id=119847045

Follow our experts on Twitter: 

@lestermunson

@marthamillerdc

@NotTVJessJones 

@morganlroach

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