Houthis’ Red Sea Attacks Prompt Stark Warning from Antony Blinken, Urges Iran to Cease Support, US

Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, issued a warning on Wednesday regarding the ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen. Blinken called for an immediate end to the attacks on ships in the Red Sea and urged Iran to cease supporting the rebels. As part of his Middle East crisis tour, Blinken has already visited Israel and Saudi Arabia and is scheduled to arrive in Egypt the following day. The US Navy intercepted and destroyed 21 Houthi missiles and drones on Tuesday, heightening concerns about the situation. Blinken emphasized that there would be consequences if the attacks continued, without providing specific details. The Red Sea shipping disruptions, caused by the Iranian-backed rebels, are creating delays and increasing prices for consumers. To address the escalating situation, the United States has established a multinational naval task force. The UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding an immediate end to the attacks due to their impact on global commerce, regional peace, and navigational rights. The international community continues to engage with all parties involved, emphasizing the negative consequences for both the Palestinian people and Yemenis. Grant Shapps, the British defense secretary, also condemned the attacks and warned the Houthis of consequences if they persist. He asserted that Iran is involved in providing weapons and intelligence to the rebels. HMS Diamond, a Type 45 destroyer belonging to the Royal Navy, successfully shot down drones using advanced sea viper missiles. With mounting concerns about the situation, Blinken stressed the importance of responding to such aggression. The international community seeks to prevent the conflict from escalating further and remains committed to finding a resolution.