CENTCOM: Houthi Attacks in the Region are Fully Activated by the Iranian Government

The United States Central Command, CENTCOM, confirmed in a statement four attacks on Sunday against three commercial vessels in international waters of the Red Sea, stating that the USS Carney destroyer responded to calls from these vessels and assisted them. The U.S. military had previously announced that ballistic missiles launched by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels struck three commercial vessels in the Red Sea, and an American warship also shot down three drones in self-defense. In a statement released hours later, part of which was also published on its Persian account on X (formerly Twitter), CENTCOM wrote, 'We believe based on many reasons that these attacks, while carried out by the Houthis in Yemen, are fully activated by the Iranian regime.' The U.S. Central Command in the Middle East emphasized that these attacks pose a direct threat to international trade and maritime security, asserting that the United States will consider 'all appropriate responses' in full coordination with its allies and international partners. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense stated on October 24 that although Washington does not have information indicating that Tehran 'explicitly' ordered the recent attacks on American forces, the groups responsible for these attacks are supported by the Islamic Republic. Patrick Ryder also mentioned, 'Given that Iran supports them, we ultimately hold Iran accountable.' Among the militia groups supported by the Islamic Republic are Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and militia groups in Iraq such as Kata'ib Hezbollah. This support is provided through the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The IRGC and its foreign branch, the Quds Force, are designated as terrorist organizations by the U.S. Pentagon: An American warship and several commercial vessels were attacked in the Red Sea. A British naval ship was dispatched to the Persian Gulf for 'security operations.' An Iranian drone approached the American task force in the Persian Gulf in a 'non-professional' manner. The United States warned commercial vessels in the Indian Ocean. CENTCOM announced the arrival of the Eisenhower task force in the Persian Gulf; the goal: to ensure freedom of navigation. An oil tanker linked to Israel was seized by 'unknown armed individuals' in the Gulf of Aden.