Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani has warned the United States that it would encounter extraordinary problems if it seeks to establish an international force to safeguard navigation in the Red Sea, following the Houthi targeting of ships and oil tankers in the ongoing repercussions of the Israeli war on Gaza. Ashtiani’s remarks, reported by the Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA), stressed that no movement could occur in the region where Iran holds a dominant position, though he did not specify the steps Tehran might take in response to the formation of an international force in the Red Sea.
Last week, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that his country was engaged in discussions with other nations about forming a naval task force to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Red Sea. Washington has indicated that its warships in the area have moved to assist vessels attacked in the Red Sea, noting that its forces have shot down drones and missiles launched by the Houthis.
Earlier this month, reports in the Israeli press suggested that Tel Aviv and Washington were considering setting up a special operations force in the Red Sea in response to the assaults conducted by the Houthi group against Israeli vessels. These reports allege that Israel has approached countries, including Britain and Japan, to form the maritime force, following the Houthi attack on three commercial ships linked to Israel and a US destroyer.
The Houthis have pledged to block and target ships headed to Israel through the Red Sea, asserting their continued operations as long as the Israeli war on Gaza persists. They have declared their readiness to withstand any potential military strikes against them.
