>> reporter: the president's answer only further the concern of a widening conflict in the region as the israel hamas war enters its fourth month. the worry is, iran, which backs the houthis, is trying to draw the u.s. deeper into the current conflict. the national security council's john kirby had this to say about the growing tensions. >> we're not interested in a war with yemen or a conflict of any kind here. in fact everything the president has been doing has been trying to prevent any escalation of conflict, including the strikes last night. >> reporter: now, since mid november, the iranian backed houthis have launched more than two dozen attacks against merchant ships in the red sea. defense secretary lloyd austin says the u.s. strike sends a clear message that houthis will bear the further cost if they do not end their illegal attacks. and trace, austin also added the u.s. maintains its right to self-defense. trace. >> trace: jeff paul live in the news room. jeff back to you as the news warrants. bring in a former navy seal who

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