Iranian naval vessels continue to provide critical support to Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, according to U.S. intelligence sources quoted by Al Arabiya on Wednesday. These reports come at a time of increased tensions in the region as Houthis intensify attacks against maritime traffic and Israeli-linked targets as part of their solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
According to this report compiled with unnamed American defense and intelligence officials, Iranian ships operating in Red Sea and Gulf of Aden waters appear to play an integral part in surveillance, intelligence gathering, coordination of drone attacks by Houthi rebels as well as coordination of attacks using drones or missiles from Yemeni side.
Al Arabiya reported that these ships are equipped with sophisticated radar and communication systems, enabling them to monitor vessel movements and provide targeting information directly to Houthi commanders. One source noted that Iranian ships were acting as forward operating bases and helping guide attacks against merchant vessels believed to be linked with Israel or the West.
“Evidence points to ongoing real-time coordination between Iran’s Navy and Houthis,” according to an anonymous source. This coordination “is more than logistical or ideological support; it is operational support.”
Houthi rebels, commonly referred to as Ansar Allah, have claimed responsibility for multiple drone and missile strikes on Red Sea vessels over recent months. Although most attacks were intercepted successfully, some forced commercial vessels to divert or seek shelter, raising questions regarding freedom of navigation and global trade routes.
Iran has consistently denied direct military involvement with the Houthis, maintaining that their support is solely political and moral in nature. Iranian officials regularly deny allegations made by U.S. and Saudi officials regarding weapons supplies or attacks being directed from Iran – however the continued presence of Iranian warships near key maritime chokepoints has given rise to speculation of deeper cooperation.
U.S. naval patrols in the Red Sea have increased, intercepting several drone and missile launches from Houthi-controlled territory and interception by Houthi of US ships’ drones and missiles. A Pentagon spokesperson responded to Al Arabiya report by noting U.S. was “monitoring Iran’s maritime activity closely”, as well as supporting regional allies threatened by Houthi strikes.
Western analysts warn that Iran’s support could further complicate efforts to de-escalate tensions in Yemen and the wider Middle East region.
David Schenker, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State. Iran could justify stronger U.S. and allied military responses due to Houthi operations being linked back to them, Schenker noted.
As regional tensions escalate, Washington is consulting with Gulf partners and NATO allies about possible actions they could take to ensure maritime security while curbing Iranian influence.