U.S. Secretary of State: Iranian Government is the Main Supplier of Weapons, Intelligence, and Technology to the Houthis

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, currently in the Middle East, stated in an interview with the Saudi media outlet 'Al-Hadath': 'The Iranian government is the main supplier of weapons, intelligence, and technology for the Houthis, and we have asked them to control this group.' Blinken emphasized the destructive impact of Houthi actions on global trade and economy, stating: 'I don't think continued support from the Islamic Republic for Houthi attacks is in Iran's interest, attacks that have been condemned by countries around the world and for which Tehran is recognized as responsible. I hope the officials of the Islamic Republic will use their influence to end Houthi attacks.' In another part of his conversation with 'Al-Hadath', Blinken confirmed U.S. pressures on Israeli officials to prevent attacks on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, noting: 'We are heavily engaged in a diplomatic effort to ensure that conflicts do not escalate, as we believe neither the Israelis, nor Hezbollah leaders, nor even the Iranian government leaders want to expand the conflict, but sometimes an unintended action can broaden the flames of war.' Blinken also highlighted the displacement of over a hundred thousand residents from northern Israel and Lebanese citizens in the south, stressing that they should be able to return to their homes and feel secure, and that there is a continuous effort to achieve a diplomatic solution to this goal. On Wednesday, Blinken also mentioned that the United States has presented a draft resolution to the UN Security Council calling for an 'immediate ceasefire related to the release of hostages' in the Gaza Strip. The U.S. Secretary of State, who is visiting the Middle East, met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the first of Farvardin in Jeddah to discuss the situation in Gaza. After Saudi Arabia, Blinken is set to travel to Egypt and then on Friday, the third of Farvardin, to Israel to discuss various aspects of the Israel-Hamas war, including Israel's intention for a large ground operation in the city of Rafah. The Houthis claim to have attacked a ship in the Red Sea and the Israeli port of Eilat. The British Maritime Trade Operations agency reported an explosion near a commercial ship east of Aden. The Houthis confirmed meetings with Hamas and other Palestinian groups in Beirut. CENTCOM reported that the launch of three ballistic missiles by the Houthis caused no damage or casualties. Palestinian sources reported that senior officials from Hamas and the Houthis met to coordinate 'actions against Israel.' The White House told Voice of America that reports about the Houthis being equipped with hypersonic missiles are incorrect. The Houthis launched two anti-ship ballistic missiles; CENTCOM reported no damage or casualties.