Tehran has firmly rejected claims by the United States that it is “deeply involved” in the attacks conducted by Houthi rebels on commercial ships in the Red Sea. The denial comes in the wake of reports about another incident involving an Israel-affiliated merchant vessel being struck.
Iran’s deputy foreign minister dismissed the accusations on Saturday, asserting that the Houthi rebels were acting independently and not under Iranian influence.
The Houthi rebels, who control significant portions of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, have carried out over 100 drone and missile attacks targeting merchant vessels in the Red Sea, according to the Pentagon. The group has framed these attacks as a show of solidarity with Palestinians facing Israeli bombardment in Gaza.
The White House, presenting newly declassified intelligence, claimed on Friday that Tehran’s support for the Houthi rebel group includes both weapons and tactical intelligence.
“The resistance [Houthis] has its own tools… and acts in accordance with its own decisions and capabilities,” stated Iran’s deputy foreign minister Ali Bagheri. He added that the strength of the resistance in the region should not be questioned based on strikes suffered by certain powers like the Americans and Israelis.
While Tehran acknowledges political support for the Houthis, it denies sending weapons to the rebel group.
The White House asserted that visual analysis indicated similarities between Iran’s KAS-04 drones and those used by the Houthis, as well as consistent features between Iranian and Houthi missiles. However, these claims have not been independently verified.
A Liberian-flagged chemical products tanker became the latest vessel to be struck on Saturday, though the attack has not been claimed by any group. The Houthi attacks have led to a rerouting of global trade, with numerous shipping companies, including Mediterranean Shipping Company, CMA CGM, and AP Moller-Maersk, suspending transit through the Red Sea.
In response to the escalating situation, the United States announced the launch of a multinational force involving more than 20 countries to protect vessels transiting the Red Sea. Tensions continue to rise, with the Houthi leadership warning of retaliation against “American battleships” and “American interests” if attacked.
For more updates stay tuned to FELA News!
