Iran Facilitates Russia-Houthi Missile Negotiations; Regional Security at Risk

Conflicts Politics John Brightwater September 25, 2024

Iran Facilitates Russia-Houthi Missile Negotiations; Regional Security at Risk

Iran is reportedly mediating secret talks aimed at transferring advanced Yakhont anti-ship missiles from Russia to Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Should the transfer occur, it could significantly enhance the Houthis’ operational capabilities in the Red Sea, posing a direct threat to US and allied naval forces, while further escalating tensions in the region.

Recent reports indicate that Iran has taken on the role of intermediary in clandestine negotiations aimed at facilitating the transfer of advanced anti-ship missiles from Russia to Yemen’s Houthi rebels. According to multiple Western and regional sources, discussions have centered around the Yakhont missiles, also identified as P-800 Oniks, which possess the capability to enhance the Houthis’ ability to target commercial vessels in the strategically significant Red Sea. Despite the discussions, the Russian government has not yet reached a definitive conclusion regarding the delivery of these missiles. Since November, the Houthis have conducted numerous drone and missile strikes on vessels navigating the Red Sea, linking their actions to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The resultant disruptions to maritime trade have compelled shipping companies to reroute their operations, thus increasing insurance premiums and contributing to broader economic ramifications. The international community, particularly the United States and Britain, has responded with military action against Houthi positions, albeit with limited success in curtailing their aggressive activities. The talks reportedly involved at least two meetings between Houthi representatives and Russian officials in Tehran, with further discussions anticipated. Sources have noted that the Houthis may receive dozens of missiles that possess a range of approximately 300 kilometers (about 186 miles). An intelligence source elaborated on the negotiations, indicating that while Iran is facilitating these discussions, they are attempting to maintain a low profile to avoid repercussions. Additionally, there is a historical context to this development, as Russia has previously provided the Yakhont missile system to Iran-sponsored militias, such as Hezbollah. As the situation evolves, it becomes increasingly apparent that this potential transfer of weaponry could exacerbate tensions in the region, particularly given Iran and Russia’s strengthening military alliance in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine. Experts have warned that the proliferation of Yakhont missiles to the Houthis could drastically alter the military balance in the region. Such advanced technology would enable the militia not only to target naval assets from the US and its allies but also to extend their operational capabilities against land-based threats, particularly Saudi Arabia. The United States has expressed grave concerns regarding this potential arms transfer, emphasizing its implications for global maritime stability and the strategic landscape of the Middle East.

Historically, Iran and Russia have maintained a cooperative relationship, especially in military contexts. Recently, this partnership appears to have deepened in the context of the conflict in Ukraine, where Iran is believed to have provided missiles to Russia for use against Ukrainian targets. Concurrently, Russia’s support of the Houthis represents a growing axis of military collaboration that poses significant risks to regional and global security, particularly in crucial maritime corridors like the Red Sea.

In summary, the potential transfer of Yakhont missiles from Russia to Yemen’s Houthi rebels, brokered by Iran, represents a significant escalation in both military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow, and the operational capabilities of the Houthis. This development raises alarm among Gulf states and allied countries, particularly in light of the Houthis’ recent naval aggression. The ramifications of such a transfer could destabilize regional security and hinder international navigation in vital shipping lanes.

Original Source: www.jpost.com