The United States and the United Kingdom have issued stern warnings of severe consequences after their warships successfully thwarted a barrage of 21 Houthi rockets, drones, and cruise missiles aimed at western vessels in the Red Sea. Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, indicated that if Yemeni rebels persist in attacking international shipping, a military response from the West may be imminent. Meanwhile, Grant Shapps, the UK's Defence Secretary, accused Iran of assisting the Houthi rebels with intelligence and surveillance, emphasizing the need to halt the series of attacks on warships and merchant shipping in the southern Red Sea.
Key Points:
Late on Tuesday, warships from the US and the UK repelled a significant attack by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, prompting warnings of potential consequences if such assaults continue.
Antony Blinken stated during his trip to Bahrain that further attacks on international shipping by Houthi rebels could lead to severe repercussions, hinting at the possibility of military intervention.
Grant Shapps accused Iran of providing support to the Houthi rebels, emphasizing the collective agreement among the UK, its western allies, and Saudi Arabia that the ongoing attacks are unacceptable.
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution condemning Houthi attacks and demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities, highlighting the adverse effects on global commerce and regional peace and security.
Speculation arises regarding potential strikes on Houthi missile sites and other military targets by the US and its allies to prevent further disruptions in maritime routes.
HMS Diamond, a British vessel, reportedly shot down seven Iranian-designed drones during the attack, with Shapps suggesting the ship might have been a target.
The Houthi attacks, escalating since mid-October, have been attributed to their support for Hamas in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The Houthis, in a statement, vowed to continue their attacks until the siege of Gaza is lifted, alleging that the US vessel targeted was providing support to Israel.
The British Defence Secretary reinforced the belief that Iran plays a significant role in supporting the Houthi rebels, particularly in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance activities.
Ongoing discussions involve potential joint US-UK reprisals against the Houthis, with uncertainties about other countries, including France, joining such actions.
The peace process in Yemen faces suspension warnings, with diplomatic efforts directed at Oman and Iran to convey the unacceptability of Houthi activities jeopardizing the peace plan.
The disruptions in shipping could impact global inflation, with estimates suggesting a rise of 0.2-0.5%, notably affecting Egypt due to the potential loss of commercial shipping through the Suez Canal.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while sympathetic to military action against the Houthis, are cautious about being perceived as supporting US-led military intervention against a group with significant local support.
Diplomatic efforts focus on influencing the Houthis through Oman and Iran, highlighting the potential consequences for the Yemen peace plan and the group's standing on the world stage.