Secretary credits U.S. action for keeping Red Sea shipping open, warns on Iran's regional role

The Secretary of State told reporters that U.S. efforts to counter Houthi attacks have helped keep shipping lanes open in the Red Sea and described the militants as a "band of criminals" with increasingly sophisticated weapons. "We've done the world a great favor by taking on this band of criminals who have, unfortunately, sophisticated weaponry," he said.

Nut graf: The secretary argued that the United States is uniquely capable of projecting power in the Red Sea to protect merchant shipping, and he reiterated U.S. opposition to an Iran with nuclear weapons. He said other wealthy nations have limited power projection capabilities and should be grateful for U.S. involvement.

The briefing included claims that the Houthis have attacked merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships multiple times; the secretary said the multinational effort is necessary to allow global shipping to continue. On Iran, he said the administration is clear that a nuclear-armed Iran "is not gonna happen under his watch," reiterating a long-standing U.S. policy stance.

Reporters asked whether allies broadly supported the U.S. approach; the secretary said many countries appreciate the actions but have limited capacity to project power in the region.