Change in U.S. Government Position; America Reintroduces Houthis as 'Global Terrorists'

The Associated Press reported, citing informed sources, that the U.S. is likely to reclassify the Iran-backed Houthi rebels as a terrorist group following their ongoing attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea. Informed officials say the White House is expected to announce this decision on Wednesday. However, John Kirby, the White House spokesperson, stated on Tuesday afternoon that the government is still reviewing the matter and has not made a decision. This new U.S. decision comes as the Iran-backed Houthis have attacked dozens of commercial vessels in the Red Sea in recent months. Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, removed the Houthis from the terrorist list in February 2021, just days after the new administration took office, to facilitate humanitarian aid to Yemen. It is said that the new U.S. action and the designation of the Houthis as 'global terrorists' will not create obstacles for providing aid to Yemeni civilians. Joe Biden, who had removed the Houthis from the terrorist list in the early days of his presidency, stated on Friday, January 12, that he believes the Houthis are a terrorist group. This group, supported by the Islamic Republic, was designated as a terrorist organization during Donald Trump's administration. Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Advisor, stated at the World Economic Forum in Davos that the ongoing threat posed by the Houthi rebels to commercial vessels in the Red Sea is an issue that the U.S. and its allies must address together to minimize its impact on the global economy. It is noteworthy that following the attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis on global trade in the Red Sea, news agencies and shipping organizations reported on Tuesday that another cargo ship was targeted by a missile in the region. Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing three shipping sources, that the bulk carrier 'Zografiya,' sailing under the Maltese flag and empty, was hit by a missile while moving north in the Red Sea, sustaining minor damage. According to a Greek shipping source, the 'Zografiya,' which belongs to Greece, was en route from Vietnam to Israel with 24 crew members and no cargo. Ambrey, a British maritime risk consultancy and management company, also reported that a Greek bulk carrier sailing under the Maltese flag was targeted by a missile while passing through the northern Red Sea near the port of Al-Salif in the Hodeidah province of Yemen. On Monday, January 25, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that Iran-backed Houthi militants fired an anti-ship ballistic missile from areas under their control in Yemen at a Marshall Islands-flagged container ship belonging to the United States. According to CENTCOM, there were no reported casualties or significant damage from the attack, and the ship continued on its course. Qatar claims that the best way to stop Houthi attacks is to end the war in Gaza. Reuters: The U.S. targeted Houthi anti-ship missiles. Continued insecurity in the Red Sea; another cargo ship was targeted by a missile attack. The U.S. seized 'Iran-made weapons' for the Houthis. CENTCOM: Iran-backed Houthis attacked a U.S.-owned ship with a missile. Tensions in the Gulf of Aden; Houthis claimed responsibility for a recent attack on a U.S. ship. Qatar halted the shipment of liquefied gas through the Red Sea. The Indian Foreign Minister is heading to Tehran following U.S. and U.K. attacks against the Houthis.