According to a report by Fox News on Thursday, December 14, 2023, Iran is expressing concerns, stating that a suggested U.S.-supported initiative to safeguard ships from Red Sea attacks could lead to significant issues in the region.
Iran’s Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, as reported by the Iranian Student News Agency, responded to statements by a U.S. defense official claiming that the USS Mason intercepted a Houthi drone leaving Yemen.
“If they make such an irrational move, they will be faced with extraordinary problems,” Ashtiani was quoted as saying. “Nobody can make a move in a region where we have predominance.”
Earlier this week, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder expressed concern about the escalating and troubling actions of Houthi forces, particularly in response to a missile attack on a Norwegian commercial tanker in the Red Sea on Monday.
Ryder stated in a press briefing that these entities pose a threat and violate international law blatantly.
He emphasized the need for a global approach to address this issue and mentioned ongoing collaboration with international allies for a maritime task force.
On Wednesday at approximately 8 a.m. in Yemen, an incident occurred where a drone, targeted by American forces, was intercepted as it approached the USS Mason.
The USS Mason was responding to information about Houthi rebels attacking the tanker Ardmore Encounter with skiffs and firing two missiles, both of which missed.
The initial reports indicated no injuries or damage, and the Ardmore Encounter continued its journey.
A Pentagon representative informed Fox News that the two missiles were ballistic missiles designed for targeting ships, launched from land-based positions in Yemen.
On Monday, CENTCOM stated that the USS Mason took action following a Houthi missile striking a Norwegian-flagged tanker in the Red Sea.
The Houthi movement from Yemen later admitted to the attack, asserting that it was in response to Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza.
More than a week later, following CENTCOM’s announcement of four attacks on three distinct commercial vessels in the southern Red Sea on December 3, these incidents have occurred.
The USS Carney, a U.S. Navy destroyer, reportedly downed an Iranian-produced Houthi drone on November 29, as verified by a military source speaking to Fox News.
