Iran is ‘directly involved’ in Houthi ship attacks, US Navy’s Mideast chief says

Iran is ‘directly involved’ in Houthi ship attacks, US Navy’s Mideast chief says

In recent news, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, the head of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet, has stated that Iran is “very directly involved” in the ship attacks carried out by Yemen’s Houthi rebels during Israel’s war against Hamas. This revelation may not come as a surprise to those who have been paying close attention to the situation in the Middle East.

While Cooper did not explicitly claim that Iran directed each individual attack, he did acknowledge that Iran’s influence has expanded beyond the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, now posing a threat to waters across the wider Middle East. The Houthi attacks on merchant shipping, according to Cooper, are some of the most significant seen in generations.

It is clear that these attacks are not isolated incidents but are part of a larger pattern of proxy warfare conducted by Iran. The truth is, Iran arms proxy forces, these forces attack, and then the US responds by targeting the proxy forces. This cycle will continue until the root cause of this proxy warfare, which is Iran itself, is addressed.

So, the question remains: what can be done to put an end to this ongoing conflict? It is meaningless to simply acknowledge Iran’s involvement without taking decisive action. In order to bring about real change, there need to be significant consequences for Iran’s actions. Only when faced with actual, legitimate, and severe consequences will Iran reconsider its proxy warfare strategy.

It is also important to recognize the larger political landscape in which Iran operates. The Axis of Russia, North Korea, and Iran, with potential support from China, poses a significant threat to global stability. Countries like India, seemingly neutral on the surface, may ultimately fund these conflicts and emerge as financial winners. This geopolitical situation requires careful consideration and decisive action to prevent further chaos.

The public rhetoric surrounding Iran is a significant step towards addressing the issue. However, it is crucial that the US treads carefully and pulls back when necessary. The goal should be to deter Iran’s proxy forces without escalating the situation into a full-blown war. Targeting areas with Iranian advisors and cleaning up the trash is a necessary step to disrupt Iran’s proxy warfare.

It is evident that Iran plays a central role in supporting various proxy forces, including the Houthi rebels. The assumption that Iran made deals with Russia, such as assisting with Ukraine in exchange for nuclear support, is not far-fetched. The Houthi rebels have always been an IRGC proxy, so it is time to take action and neutralize their threat.

The USS Metcalf incident in the past has shown that Iran is not invincible, and it would be an act of war to supply weapons and training to a group that then attacks you. The situation in Ukraine is complicated, but it is crucial to differentiate between defending one’s borders and acts of aggression.

There is no doubt that the US Navy and its allies are growing increasingly frustrated with the administration’s refusal to respond adequately to Houthi attacks. It is unfortunate to see a minor power with cheap technology wreaking havoc in the region. Cargo ships are now actively avoiding the Red Sea, a feat that previously required a full naval blockade.

The situation is delicate, and it is essential to avoid war at all costs. However, it seems like conflict is inevitable, as tensions reach a boiling point. It is only a matter of time before our EU politicians realize the path we are on.

Iran must be held accountable for its actions. Implementing a blockade and preventing the flow of oil and goods would put immense pressure on Iran and force them to cease their destructive actions. China, a key ally of Iran, would be the country most affected by such a blockade and would likely intervene to halt Iran’s activities.

The fact remains that Iran is directly involved in the Houthi ship attacks, and it is time for them to face consequences for their actions. The international community must unite and take a firm stance against Iran’s proxy warfare. Whether it leads to conflict or not, one thing is clear: Iran needs to be addressed.