The United States has accused Russia of engaging in discussions with Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels regarding potential weapon transfers. This revelation, made by US Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking at the UN General Assembly, underscores the escalating tensions in the region and the potential for further destabilization.
Lenderking stated that Moscow was “cutting its own deals” with the Houthis to ensure safe passage for their ships through the Red Sea. He highlighted the alarming prospect of Russia potentially supplying weapons to the Houthis, a move that could drastically alter the course of the decade-long Yemeni conflict.
“We have confirmation that the Russians and the Houthis are in dialogue about ways to cooperate,” Lenderking said, noting that the dialogue included discussions on weapon transfers. “We don’t know that weapons are being transferred as we speak, but it’s come to the point that we’re all sounding the alarm bell to make sure that this does not happen,” he added.
The potential transfer of weapons from Russia to the Houthis carries significant implications. It could lead to a dramatic escalation of the conflict, potentially derailing ongoing efforts to bring an end to the war. “The notion that the Russians would provide the Houthis with lethal weapons is deeply alarming to the countries of the region,” Lenderking emphasized.
Russia’s deepening military ties with Iran and North Korea, both under heavy sanctions, coupled with its deteriorating relationship with the United States, have fueled concerns about Russia’s intentions. The US has spearheaded a wave of sanctions against Moscow and provided substantial military aid to Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.
However, Russia maintains a close relationship with oil-producing Saudi Arabia, a key player in the Yemeni conflict. Any move to strengthen the Houthis would undoubtedly raise serious concerns in Riyadh.
The Houthis have been targeting ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden since November, claiming they are targeting vessels linked to Israel, the United States, and Britain in solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Houthi campaign has resulted in the loss of at least four sailors and the sinking of two ships.
The hijacking of the Galaxy Leader in November, along with its 25 international crew, remains a pressing concern. The United States and Britain have been striking Houthi targets in Yemen since January in an effort to deter further attacks, but these efforts have failed to significantly curb the attacks that have disrupted vital maritime traffic in the Red Sea.
The US envoy highlighted the intensifying diplomatic efforts to address the escalating tensions. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in discussions with foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council in New York, while Lenderking revealed his team’s meetings with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and the Yemeni government.
“I think we’re all looking for what is the right set of pressures and inducements to encourage the Huthis to back away from the Red Sea,” Lenderking stated. “Our preferred outcome is diplomatic.”
Commenting on Iran’s potential role in the Russia-Houthi talks, the US envoy said: “Iran is always looking for ways to protect and amplify the interest of the Houthis.” This statement underscores the complex and interconnected nature of the regional conflicts and the various actors involved.
