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Iran 'deeply involved' in Red Sea ship attacks: US

By AAP Newswire

Dec 23, 2023

An MSC container ship crosses the Suez Canal towards the Red Sea — Missile and drone attacks in the Red Sea have forced shippers to change course. -EPA

Iran is "deeply involved" in planning operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea and its intelligence is critical to enable Yemen's Houthi movement to target ships, the White House says.

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Iran-backed Houthis, who say their attacks are in support of Palestinians under siege by Israel in Gaza, have targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea with drones and missiles, forcing shippers to change course and take longer routes around the southern tip of Africa

"We know that Iran was deeply involved in planning the operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea," White House national security spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement on Friday.Â

"This is consistent with Iran's long-term materiel support and encouragement of the Houthis' destabilising actions in the region.

"This is an international challenge that demands collective action."

Iran denies involvement in attacks by the Houthis in the Red Sea.

The US last week announced a naval coalition involving 20 countries aimed at helping safeguard vessels from attacks in the Red Sea.

Some of the countries involved have said operations to protect commercial traffic will be as part of existing naval agreements.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press