From Le Figaro with AFP
Published yesterday at 9:59 p.m., updated yesterday at 10:25 p.m.
A Houthi helicopter flies over a cargo ship in the Red Sea on November 20. HOUTHI MILITARY MEDIA/Portal
The United States, which has formed a military coalition to defend maritime transport in the region, is conducting “intensive consultations with (its) allies and partners” on how to respond to these attacks.
Iran was “heavily involved in planning” the recent attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on merchant ships in the Red Sea, the White House National Security Council spokesman said on Friday (December 22). The United States, which has formed a military coalition to defend maritime transport in the region, is conducting “intense consultations with (its) allies and partners” on how to respond to these attacks, Adrienne Watson added in a statement.
“We have no reason to believe that Iran is trying to stop the Houthis from continuing their irresponsible actions,” she added. “Iran's support for the Houthis is solid, resulting in deliveries of sophisticated military equipment, intelligence support, financial assistance and training,” the spokesman said, reiterating that Tehran “enabled these attacks” while “delegating operational decisions to the Houthis.” had been. Without Iran's help, Yemeni rebels would have “difficulty detecting and hitting boats circulating in the Red Sea,” she said.
Political support
This wave of drone and missile attacks against ships the Houthis believe are “connected to Israel” threatens to disrupt global trade. In fact, the main maritime transport companies have given up using the Bab el-Mandeb Strait for the time being. The Houthis, who control much of Yemen but are not recognized by the international community, say they will continue until enough food and medicine gets into the Gaza Strip, the bombed and besieged Palestinian territory. Israel is reacting to the unprecedented attack by Hamas on October 7th on Israeli territory.
Iran recognizes its political support for the Houthis, who have been at war against the Yemeni government recognized by the international community since 2014. However, Tehran denies providing military equipment to the rebels.