Britain Condemns Iran’s Role In Red Sea Attacks

The US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney transits the Suez Canal, Egypt October 18, 2023.
The US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney transits the Suez Canal, Egypt October 18, 2023.

Britain joined the United States in condemning the attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea on Monday, blaming Iran for supporting the Houthi militants behind them. 

The UK government also stated that it was committed to ensuring safe shipping in the region.

Three commercial vessels came under attack in international waters in the southern Red Sea on Sunday, in attacks claimed by Yemen's Houthi group. It said it had launched drone and missile attacks against two Israeli ships.

"The UK is committed to ensuring the safety of shipping in the region," the British government statement said, adding that the waters were vital for trade and the incidents showed the importance of the Royal Navy's presence there.

The United States said the attacks were "fully enabled by Iran", sentiments echoed by Britain on Monday.

"Iran has long provided military and political support to Houthi militants and it bears responsibility for the actions of its proxies and partners," Britain said. 

The US Central command had issued a statement on Sunday describing multiple attacks on vessels by Houthis and saying, “We also have every reason to believe that these attacks, while launched by the Houthis in Yemen, are fully enabled by Iran. The United States will consider all appropriate responses in full coordination with its international allies and partners.”

Iranian government IRNA news website on Monday dismissed the British statement, saying Iran is not interfering in the Gaza war and has no proxy forces in the region. However, Tehran always speaks about its “Axis of Resistance”, which includes the Houthis, the Lebanese Hezbollah, Iraqi Shiite militias and Hamas, aiming to destroy Israel and expel the US from the region.