By Song Sang-ho

WASHINGTON, July 23 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump warned Thursday that Iran and the Iran-aligned Houthi militia will face "major military punishment" if the Houthis fire at ships in the Red Sea again.

Trump issued the warning in a social media post, after the militia in Yemen reportedly attacked two Saudi Arabian tankers this week, arguing that the ships had run afoul of its blockade on Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea.

"A year ago the United States of America attacked, very powerfully, the Houthis, for their interference with commerce and trade ... Since that time, and during our conflict with Iran, they have acted very responsibly. Unfortunately, now they are starting up again, shooting at two Saudi Arabian ships last night," he wrote on Truth Social.

"Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if they do this again, the U.S. will hold Iran responsible, in that the Houthis are a Surrogate and/or Proxy of Iran, and major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis, themselves," he added.

On Monday, the Houthis announced a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, deepening fears that the Red Sea, an alternative energy export corridor, could be threatened as disruptions in the crucial Strait of Hormuz persist.

The following day, Trump said the United States would "take care of" the militia if it presses ahead with the blockade.

South Korea and other countries, which rely heavily on energy supplies from the Middle East, have been carefully watching developments in the Middle East conflict as it continues to affect global energy markets.

sshluck@yna.co.kr

(END)

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