Iran mediates secret talks for Russia to supply Yakhont missiles to Yemen’s Houthis.
At a Glance
- Iran has facilitated secret talks between Russia and the Houthis in Yemen to transfer anti-ship missiles.
- The potential transfer of Yakhont missiles could significantly impact regional security and threaten British warships in the Gulf.
- Russia has not yet decided on sending the missiles, which could enhance the Houthis’ ability to strike vessels in the Red Sea.
- The Houthis have been attacking ships in the Red Sea to support Palestinians in the Gaza conflict.
- Edmund Fitton-Brown finds the claims credible and concerning.
Iran’s Role in Facilitating Secret Talks
Iran has mediated clandestine discussions between Russia and Yemen’s Houthi rebels aimed at enabling the transfer of advanced Yakhont anti-ship missiles. This maneuver, dating back to the presidency of Ebrahim Raisi, illustrates growing military cooperation between Iran and Russia amid escalating regional and global tensions.
The potential transfer of these missiles raises alarms across Western nations and the Middle East. If the Houthis acquire such sophisticated weaponry, maritime traffic through the strategically crucial Red Sea corridor could face significant threats, rendering both commercial and military vessels vulnerable to attacks.
Iran has brokered ongoing secret talks between Russia and Yemen's Houthi rebels to transfer anti-ship missiles to the militant group, Reuters reported Tuesday citing three Western and regional sources.
Seven sources said that Russia has yet to decide to transfer the Yakhont… pic.twitter.com/rtsfcmypm2— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) September 24, 2024
Implications for Regional Security
A successful transfer could bolster the Houthis’ military capabilities, potentially posing a serious threat to British warships operating in the Gulf. Regional experts, including Fabian Hinz, have warned that supplying the Houthis with Yakhont missiles would be a ‘game changer’ for regional security dynamics.
Recent attacks by the Houthis on ships in the Red Sea, purportedly in support of the Palestinians, underscore the immediate risks. Despite targeted strikes by the US and Britain on Houthi positions, these attacks have persisted, exacerbating security concerns.
Broader Geopolitical Ramifications
The potential upgrade in Houthi capabilities could provoke an Israeli military response, thereby intensifying regional alliances between Russia, Iran, and other adversarial nations. Coinciding with rising tensions over the Gaza conflict, these developments spotlight Tehran’s deepening ties with Moscow.
Furthermore, analysts speculate that Russia seeks to exploit this scenario to demonstrate American weakness ahead of the US presidential election. The potential arms transfer, deemed a ‘very worrisome’ development by a senior US official, underscores the intricate web of regional and international politics at play.
