Published on January 3, 2024, 1:03 am

The geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea have escalated further as Iran deploys a warship, namely, the Alborz destroyer, following the U.S. military’s destruction of three boats linked to the Houthi militant group. This action was revealed by Iranian state media but was shy of providing additional details.

The Houthi group, backed by Iran and once classified as a terror outfit by the U.S., has been involved in multiple drone and missile launches above the Red Sea close to the Bab El-Mandeb strait in recent times. Despite being delisted by President Joe Biden in 2021, they continue to disrupt shipping across the region in attempts to pressure Israel over its dispute against Hamas, another entity bolstered by Iran.

This series of incidents have successively exacerbated tensions around the Red Sea. For example, one incident last weekend compelled Maersk – one of the globe’s most prominent shipping companies – to halt shipping via this route twice within weeks. A Maersk container ship became a target for a Houthi missile after which a distress call led two U.S. vessels into action that intercepted attempted rocket attacks. The vessel was given clearance to proceed after being inspected for potential damage from the Houthi assault.

However, following that, another distress call was raised when onboard security personnel exchanged fire with four boats manned by Houthis aiming to commandeer their merchant ship. The rapid dispatching of U.S. helicopters marked their intervention as they destroyed three out of four boats and neutralized some militants on them after coming under hostile fire; one however managed to escape.

Post this occurrence, discussions between representatives from Houthis and officials from Iran took place back in Tehran.

In response to these persistent threats towards global trade via this route – accounting for approximately 12% of it – The United States authorized Operation Prosperity Guardian on December 18 with an objective of safeguarding shipping in this region against Houthi rebels. While this U.S.-led measure managed to alleviate some concerns, relentless Houthi attacks are making merchants reconsider their options and contemplate alternative routes. Bypassing the Red Sea and Egypt’s Suez Canal usually involves sailing around Africa, resulting in a possible delay of up to two weeks.

The international community is not devoid of voices demanding action against Iran, as it is seen as being in collusion with these attacks being perpetrated by Houthis. Naftali Bennett, former Israeli Prime Minister, has urged for U.S. and Israeli measures against Iran in a news article last month. He emphasized that Iran could be weakened through various means such as empowering its domestic opposition, ensuring internet continuity during anti-regime riots, fortifying its enemies, boosting sanctions and stimulating economic pressures. Mr. Bennett went on to conclude that bringing down Iran’s regime was pivotal for fostering security across the Middle East and the world at large.

Embodying real news with compelling narratives viewed from a Christian worldview while echoing trusted news sources’ integrity – this breaking news update mirrors escalating tensions within geopolitical landscapes impacting global trade channels.