Blinken's Warning to the Islamic Republic: Support for Houthis Will Have 'Consequences'

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that the ongoing attacks by the Houthis, backed by the Islamic Republic of Iran, on commercial shipping lines in the Red Sea will have 'consequences.' On Wednesday, January 10, he stated that it has become clear to Iran that its support for the Houthis must stop. Blinken told reporters, 'We have repeatedly tried to make it clear to the Islamic Republic of Iran that their support for the Houthis, including for current actions, must cease.' He emphasized that the U.S. is not the only country that has made the importance of this issue clear to the Islamic Republic. Previously, the British Defense Minister had also warned the Houthis of Yemen to cease their attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. This warning came after British and American warships had to target and destroy numerous Houthi missiles and drones. The Iranian-backed Houthis have attacked commercial shipping lines in the Red Sea at least 26 times since late November, with the latest attack occurring on January 9. The U.S. Central Command stated that the Houthis used Iranian-made attack drones, anti-ship cruise missiles, and a ballistic missile in this assault. Fourteen countries, including the United States, issued a joint statement earlier in January warning the Houthis that if they continued to pose threats to global trade or the free flow of commerce in vital waterways, they should expect consequences for their actions. The White House claims that the Islamic Republic is heavily involved in planning attacks against commercial ships in the Red Sea, and the intelligence it provides is critical for the Houthis to target these vessels. Ships are avoiding the Red Sea due to the escalation of maritime attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi militants against commercial vessels, which they claim is a response to Israeli military operations in Gaza. The Houthi militant group claimed in a statement on Friday, January 5, that they have not attacked international ships and have guaranteed the security and safety of international maritime transport in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Bab el-Mandeb. The British Defense Minister's warning to the Houthis: End attacks on ships. Destruction of 21 Houthi drones and missiles in the Red Sea; U.S. and British response to a 'complex' attack on international shipping. Initial reports of incidents in the Red Sea; the U.S.: We will respond to Houthi movements. End of Blinken's trip to Turkey and four Arab countries; Middle Eastern leaders unite for the future of Gaza. Associated Press: Concerns about the onset of a 'full-scale war' in the region have increased.