Iran pressuring Houthis to attack Red Sea ships, European officials say

Iran is pushing the Houthis to prepare for a renewed campaign against Red Sea shipping, contingent upon any further escalation by the US in its war on the Islamic Republic, according to European officials familiar with the matter.

Leaders of the Yemen-based Houthis, a militant group backed by Iran, are weighing options for more aggressive action after launching ballistic missiles at Israel, the people said, asking not to be named discussing sensitive matters.

There are divisions within the Houthis’ leadership about how aggressive to be and that was partly why the group only entered the conflict a month into it, the people said.

In an announcement on Saturday, the Houthis said they would continue military operations until US-Israeli attacks on Iran and its proxy groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, cease. They specifically did not say they would target tankers or other vessels transiting the Red Sea.

US and Saudi Arabian officials have told European allies they believe the group wants to avoid further escalation and attacks on American and Saudi assets for now, the people said.

A spokesperson for the Saudi government did not immediately respond to a request for comment. White House spokespeople did not immediately comment on the matter.