DON’T BLOCK RED SEA SHIPPING LANE, ISRAEL WARNS IRAN
JERUSALEM— Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran it would join military action against an attempt by Tehran to block international shipping lanes.
Netanyahu made the warning as Iran prepared a naval exercise in the Strait of Hormuz and Yemen’s Iranian-aligned Huthi rebels attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea strait.
“We witnessed a sharp clash with Iranian proxies who tried to obstruct international navigation in the straits at the entrance to the Red Sea,” Netanyahu said.
Houthi attack
He was referring to the attack on the Saudi tankers that led Saudi Arabia to temporarily halt all oil shipments through the waterway.
“If Iran tries to block the Bab al-Mandab, I am convinced that it will find itself facing a determined international coalition to prevent this. This coalition would also include the state of Israel and all its arms.”
On Wednesday, the Tehranbacked Huthis announced a two-week pause in Red Sea operations as they fight a Saudiled coalition that backs Yemen’s beleaguered government.
Naval military exercise
while, said Iran was preparing a naval exercise in the Strait of Hormuz.
“We are aware of the increase in Iranian naval operations within the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman,” said Navy Captain Bill Urban, spokesperson for the US Central Command overseeing US forces in the Middle East.
“We are monitoring it closely, and will continue to work with our partners to ensure freedom of navigation and free flow of commerce in international waterways,” Urban said.
Urban did not provide details, but US officials told Reuters that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards had prepared more than 100 vessels and hundreds of ground forces.
The officials said the drills appeared designed to send a message to Washington.
Tehran under pressure
Senior Iranian officials have warned the country would not easily yield to a renewed US campaign to strangle Iran’s vital oil exports.
Iran’s currency dropped to new lows this week as Iranians brace for Aug. 7 when Washington is due to reimpose economic sanctions following Trump’s withdrawal.