SANAA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group said Saturday that it is closely monitoring the developments in the Strait of Hormuz, and would take "appropriate action" in the face of unfolding events in the region.

The group said in a statement that the United States has placed itself in a "strategic predicament," and is attempting to draw others into a broader conflict.

It also called for increased international pressure on the United States and Israel to halt military operations against Iran, and for de-escalation of regional tensions.

On Friday, RIA Novosti reported that the Houthis are considering blocking the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to ships from "aggressor countries" against members of the "axis of resistance."

It said it would only attack vessels belonging to states that carry out "aggression" against Iran, Lebanon, Palestine and Iraq, if the group were forced to close the strait.

The development came amid heightened tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran starting on Feb. 28, to which Iran and its regional allies responded with attacks on Israeli and U.S. interests across the Middle East. ■