Iran Suspected of Plotting Red Sea Attacks, According to US Intelligence

On Friday, the US released newly declassified intelligence indicating that Iran has played a significant role in planning attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, according to National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson. CNN had previously reported that Iran-backed Houthi rebels had carried out over 100 attacks on several merchant ships in the Red Sea over the past month. The recently declassified intelligence further suggests that Iranian support during the Gaza crisis empowered the Houthis to launch attacks on both Israel and maritime targets, although Iran often allowed the Houthis to make operational decisions.

A senior US military official stated on Tuesday that the Iranians are active in the Red Sea and may be aiding the Houthis in selecting targets. However, the official also noted that the Houthi attacks have been largely indiscriminate. According to the official, Iran has the power to either provide or withhold this support. Without it, the Houthis would have difficulty tracking and targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Watson added that intelligence indicates Iranians have supplied the Houthis with monitoring systems for maritime operations, which has been vital for the group's targeting of vessels since they began their attacks in November.

Iran has been supplying the Houthis with drones and missiles for their attacks since 2015, according to Watson. In response, the US has launched Operation Prosperity Guardian, a maritime coalition to enhance security in the southern Red Sea, with over 20 nations already onboard.

There has been a significant increase in attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, reaching a level not witnessed in at least two generations, according to a senior US military official. The attacks, carried out by the Iran-backed Houthis using ballistic missiles and drones, represent a major shift in the security environment compared to just two months ago.

The Red Sea hosts a crucial maritime trade route, and the repercussions of the attacks have been substantial, affecting vessels from at least 44 countries and disrupting international trade. The attacks have intensified since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which was ignited by a terrorist attack on October 7 that claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 people in Israel. In response to the attack, Israel increased its retaliation, prompting the Houthis to target ships that they claimed were supporting Israel's war efforts. However, numerous targeted companies have stated that they have no ties to Israel or the war.

Some of the largest global corporations, such as oil behemoth BP and shipping firm Maersk, have declared a halt in their activities in the Red Sea due to the ongoing attacks on vessels in recent weeks. Following BP's announcement, there was a significant surge in oil and gas prices.

The Houthis, one faction in Yemen's brutal civil war that has lasted for a decade, have claimed that their attacks are in retaliation for Israel's military operations in Gaza. It is worth noting that not all vessels targeted by the group are thought to have direct ties to Israel, however.

The Houthis have been gradually improving their weapons and firepower, and have been using drones and anti-ship missiles to target commercial ships. According to a Houthi spokesperson, the group has stated their intentions to confront any US-led coalition in the Red Sea.

This story has been updated with additional reporting.

CNNs Michael Williams contributed to this report.