Yemen’s Houthis target cargo ship bound for Iran, shipping analysts say By Reuters
DUBAI/LONDON – Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis have targeted a cargo ship in the Red Sea which shipping analysts said had been carrying corn to Iran. This marks the first known attack on an Iran-bound vessel by the Houthis, who previously targeted international shipping in solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
A U.S. defense official confirmed that the ship had likely been targeted but not hit, although no further details were provided. Reports from maritime specialists suggest that the vessel may have sustained damage, but there were no reported casualties.
The Houthis identified the vessel as the Star Iris, claiming it to be American. However, maritime-shipping trackers have identified the ship as Greek-owned and flagged under the Marshall Islands.
The targeted vessel, the Star Iris, was transporting a corn cargo from Brazil to Iran, according to ship tracking analysis by data and analytics group Kpler. Iran heavily relies on corn imports from Brazil, and the majority of this year’s projected 4.5 million-tonne import flows from Brazil.
A regional security official suggested that the attack was an attempt to show that Iran does not control the Houthis and that they act independently. The official also noted that the Houthis had informed Tehran prior to the attack.
The Houthis, who hold control over Yemen’s most populous regions, have been consistently attacking international commercial shipping since mid-November. Their targets primarily include vessels with commercial ties to the United States, Britain, or Israel.
These attacks have led several companies to reroute their journeys around Africa, opting for longer and more expensive routes, while both the U.S. and Britain have responded with retaliatory strikes across Yemen.
The Star Iris, a large panamax bulk carrier, is managed by Athens-headquartered Star Bulk Carriers. The company referred questions to the U.S-led coalition handling these attacks.
Iranian officials have yet to comment on the incident, and it is worth noting that Iran’s food commodities trade is exempt from U.S. sanctions.
British maritime security firm Ambrey and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported that a Marshall Islands-flagged, Greece-owned bulk carrier was targeted by missiles in two separate incidents while passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The bulker, allegedly headed to Bandar Imam Khomeini, one of Iran’s major ports and a crucial grains terminal, reportedly suffered damage to its starboard side. However, the crew remained unharmed, and the vessel continued its journey to its next port of call.
As tensions escalate in the region, the safety of international shipping remains a primary concern, with ongoing efforts to ensure the protection of vessels and crew navigating these waters.
