U.S. Officials Alarmed That An Iranian Naval Convoy Is Moving Towards Yemen

The Hill: Iranian ship convoy moves toward Yemen, alarming US officials



U.S. military officials are concerned that Iran's support for Houthi rebels in Yemen could spark a confrontation with Saudi Arabia and plunge the region into sectarian war.


Iran is sending an armada of seven to nine ships — some with weapons — toward Yemen in a potential attempt to resupply the Shia Houthi rebels, according to two U.S. defense officials.


Officials fear the move could lead to a showdown with the U.S. or other members of a Saudi-led coalition, which is enforcing a naval blockade of Yemen and is conducting its fourth week of airstrikes against the Houthis.



Update #1: Iran Sends Ships Toward Blockaded Yemen Port, Raising Fears Of Escalating Conflict With Saudi Arabia -- IBTimes

Update #2: Iran Sparks Fears of Full-Scale War with Saudi Arabia by Sending Ships to Yemen -- IBTimes



WNU Editor: Saudi military officials have made it very clear that they will not permit any Iranian ships to enter a Yemeni port .... Iranian ships ‘not allowed’ in Yemeni waters (Al Arabiya). The Iranian President has stated that Iran's moves are purely defensive .... Rouhani says Iran's military strategy purely defensive (Daily Mail/AFP) .... but he is also "blasting" Saudi involvement in Yemen's war .... Rouhani says Saudis will harvest hatred in Yemen (YNet News). In this mix there are seven US Navy combat ships monitoring the situation .... Navy has seven combat ships around Yemen as Saudi-led blockade continues (Washington Post). My prediction .... this naval convoy is either a bluff from the Iranians (which I doubt), or a move by Iran to confront Saudi Arabia's blockade of Yemen (which I feel is what they are doing). This has the potential to be the spark of a major Middle Eastern war with deep sectarian roots that we have not seen in our lifetimes.



Update #3: This is interesting. Apparently Algeria is the middleman for communications between Iran and Saudi Arabia .... Algeria relaying messages between Riyadh, Tehran: Source (Middle East Monitor)