Reuters: Iran Mediates Negotiations Between Russia and Houthis for Anti-Ship Missile Transfer

Reuters reported, citing three Western and regional sources, that Iran has acted as a mediator in secret negotiations between Russia and Houthi rebels for the transfer of anti-ship missiles to this militia group in Yemen, a development that indicates a deepening relationship between Tehran and Moscow. The report, published on Tuesday, October 3, states that Russia has not yet decided on sending Yakhont missiles, known as P-800 Onyx, to the Houthis, but access to these missiles would mean greater accuracy for the group in its attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and a greater threat to American and European warships protecting commercial ships in the region. Previously, the Wall Street Journal reported in July that Russia was considering the possibility of sending these missiles to Yemen, but that report did not mention Iran's role as a mediator. Since November of last year, the Houthis have conducted numerous drone and missile attacks on vessels passing through the Red Sea, claiming to support Palestinians in the Gaza war against Israel. They have sunk at least two ships and seized another, forcing shipping companies to reroute their vessels, causing disruptions in global maritime trade. The United States and the United Kingdom have repeatedly targeted Houthi positions in response, but these attacks have not prevented Houthi actions. Two regional officials familiar with the negotiations told Reuters that the Houthis and Russians have met at least twice this year in Tehran, and their discussions regarding the transfer of dozens of missiles with a range of about 300 kilometers are ongoing, with further meetings expected in Tehran in the coming weeks. Russia had previously supplied Yakhont missiles to Hezbollah in Lebanon, which is supported by Iran. According to Reuters, the negotiations between the Houthis and Russians began during the presidency of Ebrahim Raisi. A Western intelligence source said, 'Russia is negotiating with the Houthis for the transfer of supersonic anti-ship Yakhont missiles. The Iranians are acting as mediators in the negotiations but do not want it to be known publicly.' Reuters noted that neither the Iranian mission to the United Nations nor the Russian Ministry of Defense responded to the media's request for comment. Mohammed Abdulsalam, the spokesman for the Houthis, also stated, 'We are unaware of what you mentioned.' A senior American official, without specifying the type of missiles, said that Russia has been negotiating the transfer of missiles to the Houthis, which is a 'very concerning' development. Additionally, a U.S. Department of Defense official warned that any attempt to enhance military capabilities would mean a greater threat to global shipping and instability in the Red Sea.