Washington, United States. President Donald Trump said the United States could strike Iran’s heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain nuclear complex “very soon,” while Yemen’s Houthi movement announced a naval blockade targeting Saudi ports. The developments raised concerns over regional security, Red Sea shipping routes and energy supplies.
Iran nuclear warning
Speaking during a White House meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Trump said Iran “hasn’t seen anything yet” and warned that the United States could target the Pickaxe Mountain complex near the Natanz uranium enrichment site.
The underground facility is believed to house deeply buried nuclear infrastructure and is regarded by military analysts as one of Iran’s most heavily protected nuclear sites. Reports have suggested that parts of the complex may be beyond the reach of existing bunker buster munitions.
Houthi blockade announcement
The Houthis said commercial vessels would be prohibited from loading or unloading cargo at Saudi ports, warning that ships violating the order would become “potential targets” within the group’s operational range.
Shipping data showed that two oil tankers carrying Saudi crude to China and India changed course in the Red Sea after the announcement.
Trump said the United States would respond if the Bab el Mandeb Strait were blocked. “So far, this has not happened. It might happen, but we are taking care of things. If something like this happens, we will take action,” he said.
The president added that relations with the Houthis had remained calm in recent months, saying, “We have had no problem with the Houthis. They have had no problem with us for a long time.”
Lebanon and trade measures
During the meeting with Aoun, Trump pledged continued US support for Lebanon. “We will help Lebanon a lot. We are going to solve the problems, some of which we have already sorted out,” he said.
Separately, White House Trade Representative Jamison Greer said investigations into trade practices involving around 60 economies were nearing completion, with new US tariffs expected to be announced in the coming days.
