 |
| Huthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea make shipping risky | Photo: Reuters |
These things were said by the White House on Friday. However, Iran has denied any involvement in the Houthi attack on the ship in the Red Sea.
Since the start of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on October 7, Houthi rebels have attacked several commercial ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. Due to this many ships are forced to change course.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels have previously said they would attack any ship bound for an Israeli port if food and medicine were not allowed to enter the Gaza Strip.
US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement, "We know Iran is deeply involved in plans to launch operations against commercial shipping in the Red Sea." This is consistent with Iran's long-term support and aid to the destabilizing activities of the Houthis in the region.
The US National Security Council spokesman called the Houthis' attack on commercial ships an "international challenge" and said that collective action must be taken to counter it.
Last week the US announced a 20-nation 'naval coalition' to help defend ships from attack in the Red Sea. Some countries in the alliance have said operations to protect commercial shipping lanes should be conducted as part of existing maritime treaties.