Iran-backed terror groups have escalated their attacks against U.S. soldiers and American interests in the Middle East since Hamas invaded Israel, killed 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped 240 hostages on Oct. 7.

Washington’s response to this aggression can be characterized as disappointing at best, and dangerously incompetent at worst. The U.S. must respond to protect American lives, maintain America’s credibility to its allies and restore Washington’s deterrence toward its enemies.

Between March 29 and Oct. 6, U.S. soldiers were targeted seven times by Iran-backed terror groups in Iraq and Syria. That figure has ballooned exponentially to more than 61 attacks since Oct. 7. The most dangerous and escalatory behavior, however, has come from the Houthis in Yemen.

On Nov. 19, the Houthis hijacked the Bahamas-flagged Galaxy Leader cargo ship and took the 25-member crew hostage. Emboldened by America’s lackluster response, on Dec. 3, the Houthis launched drones and missiles at three commercial vessels connected to 14 different countries in the Red Sea.

CENTCOM has since stated that the attacks were “enabled” by Iran and that it will consider “all appropriate responses in full coordination with its international allies and partners.” To start, the Houthis must be immediately re-designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department.

Declaring war against Israel, firing ballistic missiles at the Jewish State from more than 2,000........

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