Yemen's Houthi movement said on Sunday it was ready to "meet escalation with escalation" after U.S. strikes targeting the Iran-aligned group over its threat to resume Red Sea shipping attacks triggered a diplomatic backlash from Moscow and Tehran.

Salami's words echoed those of U.S. President Donald Trump, who announced Saturday he had ordered the U.S. military to launch "decisive and powerful" strike.

The Iran-backed rebels, who have targeted Israel and shipping in the Red Sea, said children were among those killed in the strikes ordered by President Trump.