Escalating Concerns of a Broader Middle East Conflict Prompt US Efforts to Curtail Iranian Proxies
US officials are facing the challenge of addressing Iran-backed proxy groups' increasing assaults on US troops and ships in the Red Sea, while avoiding a wider conflict in the Middle East
American authorities are struggling to determine the best course of action in light of increasing assaults on US military personnel and vessels in the Red Sea by Iran-affiliated proxy groups, all while avoiding a wider war in the Middle East.
In response to these attacks, the US has taken action by targeting militants and infrastructure in Iraq and Syria, as well as intercepting missiles and drones launched by the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Additionally, US officials have communicated to Iran and its proxies through diplomatic channels that the attacks must cease. Most recently, the US military thwarted an attempt by a group of Houthi militants to board and seize a commercial vessel in the Red Sea by eliminating them.
A senior administration official stated that the US is prepared to use lethal force in self-defense against the Houthis. The official emphasized that if faced with a similar situation, the US would take the same course of action. Despite this, the US has been hesitant to move beyond self-defense strikes and backchannel diplomacy, despite the Pentagon developing multiple options for potential strikes against the Houthis in Yemen for President Joe Biden to consider. Officials shared this information with CNN.
Israel's military action against Hamas in Gaza has prompted the US to work covertly to avoid a wider conflict. Tensions have grown due to an Israeli attack on a Hamas leader in Lebanon and an ISIS attack in Iran, in addition to regular Iranian proxy attacks. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed ongoing concern about the potential spread of the conflict to other areas.
Wary of undercutting Yemen truce
The United States has been particularly cautious about undermining a truce brokered by the US and UN between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in the Yemen war, which the Biden administration views as one of its key foreign policy accomplishments, according to a senior US official. Additionally, some within the administration believe that the Houthis benefit from continued conflict and aim to involve US forces in a prolonged military commitment. Officials have also noted that the Saudi-led campaign against the Houthis over the past few years has not succeeded in eradicating the rebel group.
A different senior US official stated that the Houthis are already causing strains with countries "that are essential for a peace agreement in Yemen."
"The actions of the Houthis are risking Yemen becoming an outcast state," the official stated. "The Yemeni civilians will bear the brunt of the global isolation that will occur if the attacks persist."
Failure to address the continuing Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea could complicate global trade and weaken President Biden's ability to promote a strong economy in the lead-up to the 2024 election. Officials also expressed ongoing concern about the potential for an Iranian response, despite it being less probable. This week, Iran sent a warship to the southern Red Sea, seemingly as a display of support for the Houthis, shortly after the US Navy thwarted a group of Houthi militants trying to overtake a commercial vessel. Previous reports from CNN have indicated that Iran has been supplying the Houthis with weapons and intelligence.
Even in Iraq, where the US has shown more readiness to directly confront Iranian militias targeting American troops, White House officials are aware of the potential repercussions on the Iraqi government. In Iraq, various Iranian proxy groups with political influence are part of the governing coalition in Baghdad, complicating decisions about how to address the militias. Additionally, US military bases in Iraq operate with the invitation of the government, adding another layer of complexity to President Biden's decision-making regarding targeting the militias.
Patience running thin
There are signs, though, that the US and its allies patience is wearing thin.
Last month, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin unveiled a multinational security effort known as "Operation Prosperity Guardian" in response to growing Houthi hostility in the Red Sea.
A senior US administration official stated on Wednesday that a collective statement from the US and 12 other nations denouncing Houthi assaults on shipping may serve as the coalition's final warning, indicating that stronger military measures could be imminent.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron stated that action will be implemented if the attacks persist, indicating that British ships would be utilized to prevent the attacks if needed. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, departing for a trip to the Middle East, will unequivocally convey that the Houthi attacks are unacceptable during all of his stops.
The warnings to the Houthis have gone unheeded, as the rebels carried out another attack on shipping on Thursday. Vice Adm. Brad Cooper stated that the unmanned surface vessel traveled from Yemen into international shipping lanes with the clear intent to cause harm before detonating. The attacks from the Houthis have shown no signs of stopping, leading to concerns. In addition, the US targeted and killed a pro-Iran militia commander in Baghdad on the same day, despite objections from the Iraqi government about violations of their sovereignty.
The US officials did not condemn the apparent assassination of a senior Hamas leader in Lebanon by Israel, despite the escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Privately, US officials acknowledged that the targeted killing is similar to how the US targets terrorist leaders in drone strikes globally. In an effort to ease tensions, the White House dispatched senior envoy Amos Hochstein to Israel on Thursday.
Hochstein has been traveling between the US and Israel, collaborating with the Israeli and Lebanese governments to find a diplomatic solution to the violence and stop the war from spreading to Israel's northern border. However, Israeli officials informed Hochstein on Thursday that the opportunity for a peace deal is running out.
"Israel is ready to cooperate with the US and the international community to reach a diplomatic solution, but if one cannot be reached, the IDF will eliminate the threat," Israeli War Cabinet member Benny Gantz told Hochstein, referring to the Israel Defense Forces.
During his trip, Blinken will visit Israel to discuss the nation's strategy to shift to a less intense phase of operations in Gaza and prevent the spread of conflict, a central focus of his trip. The top US diplomat will also engage in talks about "specific strategies parties can implement, as well as how they can leverage their influence in the region to prevent further escalation," said Miller on Thursday.
"We anticipate some challenging conversations during this trip," Miller added.
CNNs Jennifer Hansler, Alex Marquardt MJ Lee contributed reporting.
