Lenderking to VOA: The Islamic Republic is Helping the Houthis in Yemen in the 'Worst Possible Way'

Tim Lenderking, the U.S. special envoy for Yemen, described Iran's assistance to the Houthis in Yemen as a factor in the continuation of that group's attacks on ships in the Red Sea during an interview with VOA. Lenderking stated, 'Iran is helping the Houthis in their attacks in the most destructive way.' According to Lenderking, the U.S. 'wants Iran to play a positive role, to help reduce tensions rather than exacerbate them.' The exacerbation he refers to includes 'RPGs, missile parts, and communication equipment' that are directly used in these attacks by the Houthis. Although international arms sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran have expired, UN sanctions against the Houthis remain in effect. As a result, Lenderking stated that the Iranian government is 'smuggling' weapons. The U.S. special envoy for Yemen was recently in the Gulf region to consult with regional countries on how to persuade the Houthis to stop attacking ships in the Red Sea, with Saudi Arabia being one of the intermediary countries. Lenderking pointed to a phone conversation between the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Iran on Friday, February 16, noting that the Houthis' attacks in the Red Sea region were among the key topics of their discussions. Saudi Arabia has suspended its relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran twice, the second time in 2016, after which it re-established relations after seven years. According to Lenderking, 'attacks on ships in the Red Sea are among Saudi Arabia's major concerns, as they also impact the economy of that country.' He emphasized that the Houthis' attack on a corn-carrying ship bound for Iran also affects the lives of the Iranian people. On Monday, February 12, the Houthis launched two missiles at a Greek ship carrying corn from Brazil to the port of Khomeini. The ship, sustaining minor damage, was able to continue its journey. Another rarely mentioned danger of the Houthis' attacks on ships is the environmental consequences. Lenderking stated in an interview with VOA's Persian section, 'The reckless attacks by the Houthis could cause oil spills in the region's waters, which could destroy the fishing industry of both Yemen and Oman.' He also mentioned that the Houthis' argument that their attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza has had the opposite effect, as some of the resources needed to fully focus on the events in Gaza are now allocated to them. The U.S. special envoy emphasized, 'No effort has been spared, and every possible avenue has been tried. The Houthis have known for a long time what they need to do to reduce tensions.' Lenderking conditioned the end of U.S. operations against Houthi positions on the cessation of their attacks on ships. He said, 'The Houthis created this situation; they can end it themselves,' but until then, U.S. operations will continue. Lenderking stressed that the U.S. is not alone in its actions, stating, 'Seven other countries are cooperating with the U.S.' Lenderking did not answer the question of whether there is hope for diplomatic efforts. He cited the international outrage over the group's actions as the reason for the Houthis' re-inclusion in the list of 'specially designated global terrorist organizations.' The Biden administration, at the beginning of its term in 2021, revoked the Trump administration's order and removed the group from the 'foreign terrorist organization' list. The current designation merely facilitates humanitarian aid delivery. Gita Arian, a senior reporter for VOA's Persian section, primarily focuses on foreign policy news. She began her journalism career in 1987 with work in radio and joined VOA in 2004.