White House claims Iran's deep involvement in attacks on ships in the Red Sea
The U.S. has claimed Iran's involvement in Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea (photo: flickr.com)
The White House asserts that Iran was deeply involved in planning operations by Yemeni Houthi rebels against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Tehran's reconnaissance data was critically important for carrying out the attacks on ships, states Adrienne Watson, a representative of the U.S. National Security Council.
The official notes that the Houthi-supported attacks, orchestrated by Iran, are aimed at supporting Palestinians amid the Israeli Defense Forces' operations in the Gaza Strip.
Representatives of the Yemeni movement targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea using drones and missiles, forcing shippers to alter course and take longer routes around the southern tip of Africa.
"We know that Iran was deeply involved in planning the operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. This is consistent with Iran's long-term materiel support and encouragement of the Houthis' destabilizing actions in the region," said Watson.
The White House spokesperson for national security added that it is an international challenge that demands collective action.
Meanwhile, Iran denies involvement in the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea
Attacks by Yemeni Houthi rebels on trade vessels with connections to Israel have continued in the Red Sea since November. On December 16, a British destroyer reportedly intercepted a Houthi drone attempting to attack a commercial ship in the Red Sea using the Sea Viper missile system.
During the same week, a winged missile launched from Houthi-controlled territory struck the Norwegian-flagged commercial tanker Strinda, causing significant damage and igniting a fire on board.
Earlier reports indicated that the United States was considering the possibility of striking the Houthis in response to their attacks on trade vessels.
On December 19, the Pentagon announced the initiation of a special operation called Prosperity Guardian to protect maritime traffic in the Red Sea. More than 20 countries have agreed to join the coalition, led by the United States, aimed at safeguarding commercial shipments in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks.
