US: Russia is Negotiating with Houthis for Arms Transfer

The United States accused Russia of negotiating with the Houthis in Yemen, who are supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran, regarding arms transfers. The Houthi rebels are under scrutiny due to their attacks on ships in the Red Sea, a vital commercial waterway. Tim Lenderking, the US special envoy for Yemen, stated on Wednesday, October 4, at the United Nations General Assembly that Russia is negotiating with the Houthis to ensure the safety of its ships in the Red Sea, and the possibility of arms transfer has also been raised. He mentioned that it is unclear whether any weapons have been transferred at this time, but the situation has reached a point where everyone is sounding the alarm to ensure this does not happen, as such transfers could escalate the conflict in Yemen and derail efforts to end the 10-year war in Yemen. Lenderking added, "The idea that the Russians would provide the Houthis with lethal weapons is very concerning for the countries in the region." The US representative also referred to a series of diplomatic efforts at the UN General Assembly to reduce attacks in the Red Sea. He noted that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed Yemen with the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council in New York on Wednesday. Lenderking also mentioned that he and his team met with officials from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, and the Yemeni government this week. According to the US special envoy for Yemen, everyone is looking for leverage or incentives to push the Houthis to withdraw from the Red Sea. When asked about Iran's role in the negotiations between Russia and the Houthis, Lenderking's representative stated, "Iran is always looking for ways to support and bolster the Houthis' interests." Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing three Western and regional sources, that Iran has mediated secret negotiations between Russia and the Houthi rebels for the delivery of anti-ship missiles to this militia group in Yemen; a development that indicates a deepening relationship between Tehran and Moscow. The report cited seven informed sources stating that although Russia has not yet decided on sending Yakhont missiles, known as P-800 Onyx, to the Houthis, access to these missiles would mean greater accuracy for the group in its attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and a greater threat against American and European warships that protect commercial vessels in the region. Russia is currently seeking to strengthen its military ties with Iran and North Korea to bolster its arsenals in the war against Ukraine, while both Iran and North Korea are under heavy sanctions. Relations between Russia and the United States have severely deteriorated since the invasion of Ukraine. Washington plays a leading role in the West against Russia by imposing sanctions on Moscow and sending weapons to Kyiv. Meanwhile, Russia maintains a friendly relationship with Saudi Arabia, a country that has participated in military operations against the Houthis and would be concerned about any actions to strengthen the Houthi rebels. Two more commercial ships were targeted in the Red Sea near Yemen. Houthi militants, allied with the Islamic Republic, Hamas, and Hezbollah, have attempted to strike at commercial shipping lines in the Red Sea several times over the past year by firing missiles and drones to show their support for the extremist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. So far, one ship has been seized, two vessels sunk, and at least four people killed in these attacks. The Houthis claim they are targeting vessels associated with Israel, the US, and the UK in an effort to stop Israeli operations against the extremist group Hamas, which is recognized as a terrorist group by the US and many Western countries. However, many of the ships targeted by them have had no connection to these three countries and, in some cases, were even headed to Iran. The US Navy and coalition countries, alongside EU naval patrols, have intercepted and destroyed many of the missiles and drones fired by the Houthis and have targeted their launch platforms in some cases; actions that, while reducing the intensity of Houthi attacks, have not completely stopped them. Russia has previously provided Yakhont missiles to Hezbollah in Lebanon, which is supported by Iran. Reuters noted that negotiations between the Houthis and Russia began during the presidency of Ebrahim Raisi.