The United States military conducted significant airstrikes across three nations during 2025 under President Donald Trump's administration, marking a decisive chapter in American foreign policy. These coordinated attacks targeted strategic locations in Yemen, Iran, and Somalia amid escalating regional tensions and counterterrorism efforts.
Yemen Operations: Red Sea Conflict Escalates
In mid-March 2025, American forces launched a series of airstrikes against Houthi rebel positions in Yemen. The military action came as a direct response to repeated attacks by Iran-backed Houthi fighters on commercial vessels navigating the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The rebel activities had intensified significantly following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, 2023, creating dangerous conditions for international shipping routes. The situation drew additional controversy when reports emerged that a journalist had been given access to a messaging group containing senior Trump administration officials, including the vice-president, where operational details were being discussed before the attacks commenced.
Iran Nuclear Facilities Targeted
On March 29, 2025, President Trump publicly confirmed that US military forces had successfully struck Iran's three primary nuclear sites. This decisive move followed days of intense internal deliberation within the administration and came ahead of a self-imposed two-week deadline for action.
Trump explicitly stated that the strikes formed part of a broader strategy to support Israel's military campaign in the region. The American leader issued a stern warning to Tehran, threatening more devastating attacks if Iran refused to pursue peaceful resolutions to ongoing conflicts.
Somalia Counterterrorism Mission
Later in the year, on September 21, 2025, United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) coordinated with the Federal Government of Somalia to execute an airstrike against ISIS-Somalia militants. The operation targeted terrorist positions near the Golis Mountains, approximately 60 kilometers southeast of Bossaso.
AFRICOM officials stated the primary objective was to degrade the terrorist organization's capability to threaten American homeland security, US forces stationed abroad, and citizens overseas. Military authorities withheld specific details about the units and assets involved to maintain operational security and protect future mission effectiveness.
These coordinated military actions throughout 2025 demonstrated the Trump administration's assertive approach to international engagement, with each operation carefully shaped by regional dynamics and perceived threats to United States national interests. The strikes generated significant global debate about the appropriate use of military force in addressing international security challenges.
