Iran has warned the United States against engaging in provocative actions in the Red Sea, emphasizing the potential threat to regional security. A letter conveying this concern was submitted to the UN Security Council by Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran's Permanent Representative to the international body.
In the letter, Iran urges the US to refrain from actions in the Red Sea that could compromise regional security. Fars news agency quotes excerpts from the document, stating, "We ask the UN Security Council to fulfill its obligations and investigate the true cause of the current situation."
According to the letter, recent events in the Red Sea are directly tied to Israel's ongoing military operation in the Palestinian Gaza Strip. It criticizes the United States for supporting Israel instead of working towards de-escalating the conflict. The document also asserts that the US's push for a Security Council resolution ostensibly focused on ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea actually serves as a means to legitimize the international naval coalition led by Washington, furthering its regional objectives.
This diplomatic move by Iran is a response to accusations by Israeli and US representatives during a UN Security Council meeting held on January 3, 2024, implicating Iran in the escalation of tensions in the Red Sea.
The background to the rising tensions involves the Ansar Allah (Houthis) movement, which announced its intention to strike Israeli territory and block ships associated with Israel from passing through the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait until the conclusion of the operation in the Gaza Strip. Since mid-November, Houthi-controlled territories have witnessed multiple attacks on commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea, including the seizure of the cargo ship Galaxy Leader with over 20 crew members on board.
Responding to the Houthis' actions, US authorities announced the formation of an international coalition and the initiation of an operation to ensure freedom of navigation and protect ships in the Red Sea. Participating countries in this operation include Bahrain, Canada, France, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Public Domain
Based on materials from TASS