U.S. Accuses Iran of Planning Red Sea Attacks

Major Companies Suspend Operations as Attacks Escalate Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict

Iran is accused by the U.S. of being 'deeply involved' in planning attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, according to newly declassified intelligence. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have launched more than 100 attacks against about a dozen commercial and merchant ships transiting the Red Sea over the past four weeks.
The Houthi rebels, who control vast parts of Yemen, have launched these attacks in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel is battling Hamas militants. The White House said that Tehran's clerical state has provided drones and missiles to the Houthis as well as tactical intelligence.
The U.S. has launched Operation Prosperity Guardian, a maritime coalition aimed at beefing up security in the southern Red Sea. More than 20 nations have signed on to the initiative so far.
Major companies, including oil giant BP and shipping company Maersk, have suspended their operations in the Red Sea due to the continued attacks on vessels. This has led to a sharp rise in oil and gas prices.
The attacks have escalated since the beginning of the war between Israel and Hamas, sparked by the October 7 terrorist attack that killed about 1,200 in Israel. As Israel ramped up its retaliation for the attack, the Houthis began targeting ships that it accused of supporting Israel’s war effort.