Biden defends strikes on Houthis, vows to respond again

ABC NEWS

President Joe Biden on Friday defended ordering the U.S. military, in coordination with the United Kingdom and other partners, to carry out large-scale retaliatory strikes in Yemen against Iran-backed Houthi militants over their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.

Speaking with reporters Friday afternoon on a trip to Pennsylvania, he called the strikes a “success” and said the U.S. will continue to respond if the Houthis keep up their “outrageous behavior.”

The Houthis have vowed revenge.

Asked for his message to Iran, Biden said, “I already delivered the message to Iran. They know not to do anything.”

When asked if the U.S. was in a de facto war with Iran, he said no. “Iran does not want a war with us…