An American naval official announced on Thursday, November 6, that since May 2015, four ships carrying weapons from Iran to Yemen have been seized by the United States and its allies. According to AFP, Admiral Kevin Donegan, head of the U.S. Central Command, told reporters at a U.S. base in Southwest Asia: "Both American and our allied ships... have seized four weapon-carrying ships from Iran to Yemen. We were aware that these ships were coming from Iran and knew their destination." Donegan's remarks come after General Joseph Votel, head of the U.S. Central Command, stated last week that Iran was likely involved in the Houthi missile attack on U.S. warships in the Red Sea. Tehran has denied this claim. Bahram Qasemi, spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated on October 21: "The contradictory and unclear statements of American officials in recent days are unfounded and suspicious, indicating their confusion." American officials say that on October 1 and 3, several missiles were fired by the Houthis toward the USS Mason in the Red Sea, but there were no casualties or damages. In response to these attacks, Washington targeted several locations, including three mobile radar centers of the group in areas under their control. The Islamic Republic of Iran supports the Shiite Houthi group in Yemen, which controls many areas of the country, including the capital, Sana'a. Saudi Arabia and its Arab allies support Mansour Hadi, the UN-recognized president, whose forces are mainly stationed in the city of Aden. Reuters reported in late October, citing American and Western officials, that arms shipments from Iran to the Houthis in Yemen have significantly increased. According to this report, supplies have been sent overland from Oman to the Houthis. The Sultanate of Oman has reacted to this report and denied it. However, a senior U.S. official told Reuters that Washington has communicated its concerns regarding this matter to the Omani government. The U.S. Navy seized a weapon-carrying ship from Iran earlier this year in May. In 2015, a group of Iranian ships heading to Yemen was forced to return to their country after a warning from the United States.
Four Iranian Weapon-Transporting Ships Seized Bound for Yemen in the Last 18 Months
The U.S. Navy has seized four Iranian ships carrying weapons to Yemen over the past 18 months, highlighting ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran. American officials claim Iran may be involved in Houthi missile attacks against U.S. warships, which Iran denies. This situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, particularly involving Iran's support for the Houthis.
👥 Key Players
⚡ Actions
📰 What Happened
US and allies seized four Iranian weapon-carrying ships bound for Yemen over 18 months.
- United States and allies seize four weapon-carrying ships from Iran
- Washington attack Houthi missile sites
- Admiral Kevin Donegan announce reporters
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The seizure of Iranian ships underscores ongoing military tensions and Iran's support for the Houthis.
📝 Key Evidence
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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