Iran's Ambitious Plot: Experts Warn of Houthi Red Sea Attacks Aimed at Defeating the US
The surge in attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea orchestrated by Houthi rebels is not merely a sporadic occurrence but rather a deliberate and alarming campaign orchestrated by Iran with the explicit goal of "defeating the United States" and propagating the Iranian Islamic revolution, caution experts. Bill Roggio, a senior fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, emphasized that while the world may perceive the situation as non-belligerent, the Iranians and the Houthis are, in fact, engaged in a war against the US.
The most recent attack targeted a container ship traveling from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, further escalating tensions in the critical shipping artery. Houthi-backed militants have executed over 100 attacks on 14 different commercial vessels in the Red Sea within the past month, according to a senior US military official.
Contrary to viewing ship sinkings as the primary objective, Roggio argues that the act of targeting itself is sufficient for the Houthis and Iranians, as it allows them to dictate maritime vessel transit on the high seas, rendering the international community seemingly powerless to intervene. The Bab al-Mandab Straits, a vital entry into the Red Sea, has become a focal point for Houthi attacks, disrupting trade and prompting major shipping companies like Maersk, BP, and MSC Mediterranean to suspend operations in the region.
Roggio contends that beyond the immediate disruptions, the Houthis aim to assert control over one of the world's crucial shipping lanes, contributing to a broader Iranian plan to expel the US from the Middle East. The ultimate goal involves spreading the Iranian Islamic revolution in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, challenging Israel, and defeating Saudi Arabia. The Houthi rebels, in controlling the Yemeni capital since 2015 and leading a civil war against Saudi-backed forces, are seen as instrumental players in advancing this Iranian agenda.
Iran's 'Axis of Resistance': Houthi Attacks Aim to Redefine Middle East Power Dynamics
Amidst the myriad extremist groups in the region, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, the Houthi rebels stand as a key player in the "Axis of Resistance," receiving backing and directives from Iran. According to experts, these militias, predominantly Shia, are funded, trained, and supported by Iran, with Iraqi and Syrian militias actively engaging in attacks on US bases in their respective countries.
The Houthis' strategic disruption of trade in the Red Sea is not merely a regional conflict but a calculated move to influence global politics. Bill Roggio emphasizes that if the Houthis can compel the US to intervene and persuade Israel to halt its campaign against Hamas in Gaza, it would signify a substantial victory for Iranian influence on the world stage. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate that Iran and its allies hold the power to shape political outcomes in Middle Eastern conflicts.
In response to the escalating Red Sea attacks, the US has deployed the USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier group to the region under Operation Prosperity Guardian. However, experts, including Roggio, argue that a defensive strategy without assertive action is insufficient. Roggio criticizes the Biden administration's reluctance to respond forcefully, deeming it a victory for Iran and suggesting that the US needs to make Iran fear repercussions.
Rather than fearing escalation, Roggio contends that the Biden administration should adopt a stance that makes Iran apprehensive of the US. He emphasizes the need to call Iran's bluff, asserting that the US has the capacity to impose consequences without resorting to full-blown war. The ongoing success of Iran's disruptive actions in international shipping necessitates a proactive and resolute response from the US to safeguard global stability.
In conclusion, the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, orchestrated as part of Iran's broader strategy within the "Axis of Resistance," pose a significant challenge to regional stability and global power dynamics. With groups like Hamas and Hezbollah aligning themselves under Iranian influence, the intensification of attacks by Houthi rebels seeks to reshape the geopolitical landscape.
The calculated disruptions to international shipping in the Red Sea not only aim to exert influence over regional conflicts but also serve as a means for Iran to project its power on a global scale. The Biden administration's defensive approach has been criticized by experts, including Bill Roggio, who advocates for a more assertive stance to counter Iranian actions and safeguard US interests.
As the USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier group is deployed to address the escalating threats, the question remains whether a defensive strategy alone is sufficient in the face of Iran's ambitions. The urgency for the US to demonstrate strength and make Iran apprehensive of potential consequences becomes increasingly apparent, highlighting the delicate balance between avoiding full-blown war and deterring actions that compromise international security. The evolving situation underscores the complexity of diplomatic and military challenges in the Middle East and the necessity for a strategic response to safeguard global stability.
