US Accuses Iran of Involvement in Attacks on Commercial Ships in Red Sea
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Image: “Iran Involvement in Red Sea Attacks”
The United States has accused Iran of being deeply involved in attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, as the White House releases U.S. intelligence. The Iranian-linked Yemeni rebels, known as the Houthis, have been targeting ships in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel is battling Hamas militants. The White House claims that Iran has provided drones, missiles, and tactical intelligence to the Houthis, enabling them to carry out these attacks.
The Houthis, who control large parts of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, have launched over 100 drone and missile attacks, targeting 10 merchant vessels, according to the Pentagon. In response to these attacks, the U.S. has announced a multinational naval task force of over 20 countries to protect vessels transiting the Red Sea.
Energy giant BP has temporarily suspended all gas and oil shipments in the Red Sea due to the ongoing attacks. The situation has disrupted commercial traffic in the region, prompting the U.S. to take action to protect shipping interests.
In a show of force, the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower has entered the Gulf of Aden, demonstrating the U.S. commitment to ensuring the safety of shipping lanes in the area. The White House has also warned that if the Houthis are attacked, they will retaliate against American battleships, interests, and navigation.
The Biden administration had previously maintained a low-key approach to the Houthi attacks, in part to preserve a fragile peace in Yemen. The Houthis and the Saudi-backed government have been observing a United Nations-brokered truce since April 2022, which has helped to halt a devastating war that led to a humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
Iran’s religious leadership has openly supported Hamas, the militant group responsible for the recent conflict in Gaza. However, U.S. officials have stated that they have no evidence that Tehran had prior knowledge or directly planned the attack on Israel.
The ongoing conflict in the Red Sea highlights the complex geopolitical challenges facing the United States and its allies in the region. As tensions continue to rise, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop and what further actions may be taken by the U.S. and its partners to address the threat posed by Iran and its proxies in the region.
