Continued Adventures of the Islamic Republic in Regional Waters; "Alborz Destroyer" Enters the Red Sea

On Tuesday, January 1, Tasnim News Agency reported the entry of the "Alborz Destroyer" of the Islamic Republic of Iran's army into the Red Sea via the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. According to this news agency, which is close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the destroyer "joined the southern fleet of the navy after major repairs and the installation of new and technological systems in 2019." This action by the Islamic Republic coincides with increased maritime tensions in the region and reports regarding the pre-determined departure of the USS Gerald Ford from the Mediterranean waters. Following the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, the USS Gerald Ford was dispatched to the region to prevent the escalation of conflicts and to counter potential actions by Hezbollah and other militias affiliated with the Islamic Republic. According to the Times of Israel, since the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas, Houthi forces supported by the Islamic Republic have attacked at least 20 vessels passing through the Red Sea. The newspaper adds that despite claims by the Islamic Republic that the Houthis act independently, evidence suggests that the group has used Iranian-made aerial systems and cruise missiles in their recent attacks. In recent weeks, the Houthis have warned that they will target vessels originating from or destined for Israel. However, missile and drone attacks by this militia group have also targeted vessels flying flags from other countries, including Norway and Liberia. In the latest development, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that a U.S. Navy warship named "USS Gravely" shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen on Saturday night. CENTCOM stated that earlier on Saturday, a cargo ship flying the flags of Singapore and Denmark named "Maersk Hangzhou" was struck by a missile while passing through the southern Red Sea, prompting responses from the warships "Gravely" and "Laboon." Meanwhile, Maersk shipping lines, based in Denmark, announced on Sunday, January 1, that Houthi militants supported by the Islamic Republic attacked one of its container ships with missiles and small boats, causing the company to suspend operations in the Red Sea for 48 hours. The United States formed a maritime coalition known as Operation "Guardian of Prosperity" on December 19 to protect vessels in the Red Sea near Yemen, reportedly joined by 20 countries worldwide. Following this, Maersk announced on January 3 that it would resume shipping through the Red Sea, but on Sunday, January 1, it announced that due to the recent attack, all transits through this area would be delayed for 48 hours. Houthi attacks on commercial vessels passing through the Red Sea have disrupted global trade, forcing major shipping companies to take longer and more expensive routes around the Cape of Good Hope instead of the Suez Canal. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron stated on Sunday that he told Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the Iranian Foreign Minister, that Iran must take action to stop Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Cameron stated on social media platform X, "I made it clear that Iran, given its long-standing support for the Houthis, bears responsibility for preventing these attacks, which endanger the lives of innocents and the global economy." According to Iranian media, Masoud Daneshmand, a board member of the Iranian Transportation Institutions Association, noted that the problems caused by the Houthis in the Red Sea have led to shipping costs rising by up to 50%. The commander of the U.S. Fifth Fleet stated that there are no signs of an end to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The U.S. Navy shot down a Houthi drone and a ballistic missile. The U.S. sanctioned one individual and three entities facilitating financial assistance from the Islamic Republic to the Houthis. EU members are discussing maritime protection in the Red Sea. With reduced concerns about disruptions in the Red Sea route, oil prices have decreased. The Houthis claimed responsibility for an attack on a transport ship in the Red Sea. Several explosions occurred along the shipping route in the Red Sea near the Yemeni coast. The Iranian Navy received cruise missiles "Talaye" and "Nasir." The U.S. Department of Defense reported that a drone fired from Iran attacked a ship in the Indian Ocean. CENTCOM stated that four Houthi drones were shot down over the Red Sea. The British Foreign Secretary stated that the Iranian government has a completely malevolent influence in the region and the world. A drone attack targeted a ship linked to Israel near the western coast of India. The U.S. stated that the Islamic Republic has extensive involvement in attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Two other ships refrained from passing through the Red Sea; the White House stated that it is monitoring the situation. More than 20 countries have joined the U.S. coalition to protect vessels in the Red Sea. Concerns have arisen over rising global consumer goods prices due to Houthi disruptions in maritime shipping. A Greek frigate was dispatched to the Red Sea; the European Union Navy is joining Operation "Guardian of Prosperity."