Yemen Monitor/Monitoring Unit/Special:
International and Arab newspapers have highlighted numerous political, economic, and humanitarian issues related to Yemen.
Reuters, citing Western and regional sources, reported that Iran has mediated secret ongoing talks between Russia and the Houthis in Yemen to transfer anti-ship missiles to the militant group, in a development that highlights the deepening of Tehran’s relations with Moscow.
Seven sources said Russia has not yet decided to transfer Yakhont missiles – also known as P-800 Oniks – which experts say would allow the militant group to strike commercial ships in the Red Sea with greater precision and increase the threat to US and EU warships defending them.
The Wall Street Journal reported in July that Russia was considering sending the missiles. Iran’s role as a mediator has not been previously reported.
Two regional officials familiar with the talks said the Houthis and Russians met in Tehran at least twice this year and that talks to provide dozens of missiles, which have a range of about 300 kilometers (186 miles), are ongoing with more Tehran meetings expected in the coming weeks.
One source said the talks began under Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May.
A Western intelligence official said, “Russia is negotiating with the Houthis to transfer supersonic Yakhont anti-ship missiles. The Iranians are mediating the talks but do not want to get their signature on it.”
For its part, the Egyptian Al-Ahram newspaper highlighted statements by Egyptian Foreign Minister Bader Abdul-atty regarding the securing of maritime navigation in the Red Sea.
Abdul-atty affirmed during his meeting with Yemeni Presidential Council Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York that securing maritime navigation in the Red Sea is a top priority from the perspective of Egyptian national security.
Abdul-atty stressed the need for coordination among the Red Sea littoral states as they are the primary stakeholders, according to a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
Shoukry affirmed Egypt’s rejection of using the Yemeni crisis as a means to involve non-bordering countries in the security arrangements related to the region.
The Foreign Minister also expressed Cairo’s rejection of attempts to undermine the freedom and security of maritime navigation in the Arabian Gulf and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, stressing that these actions threaten regional and international security and stability alike.
Abdul-atty affirmed that Yemen’s security and stability is a top priority for Egyptian national security and the security of the Arab region and the Red Sea region.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister also affirmed Cairo’s support for Yemen’s unity, independence, and territorial integrity.
Abdul-atty also expressed Egypt’s support for all international efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis that is in line with the aspirations of the Yemeni people and alleviates their humanitarian suffering…”
Al-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s support for the legitimate government in Yemen and its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Yemeni government to develop infrastructure.
Abdul-atty emphasized Cairo’s readiness to participate in energy and port projects and to contribute to reconstruction efforts in Yemen, leveraging Egypt’s extensive technical expertise.
Meanwhile, in an article titled “Launch the Reopening of the Red Sea,” retired US Navy Captain Pete Pagano argued that defeating the Houthi campaign against maritime navigation in the Red Sea and fully reopening this vital waterway would require more than just air defense ships operating in a self-defense posture. It would require the full capabilities of joint forces, with naval forces at the forefront.
He stated that the additional measures needed to curb the Houthis’ ability to launch attacks specifically require choking off the flow of weapons, ammunition, and supplies from Iran. A blockade against Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen in the form of a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) program must be implemented to complement the mission of protecting shipping. This is similar to the Southern Watch operation, which imposed UN sanctions on Iraq under Saddam Hussein following the first Gulf War. Naval raid forces in the form of marine expeditionary units embarked on amphibious ships and joint special operations forces operating from naval bases could provide commanders with the option of forcibly seizing ships carrying military equipment for the Houthis as well as the ability to conduct shore raids as needed.
He continued: Expanding the participation of international partners in this process, a proactive media campaign, and active diplomatic engagement, all designed to isolate the Houthis and their international enablers, would support this effort. Finally, all options should be on the table, including launching sustained offensive strikes, not necessarily limited to Yemeni territory, to deny the Houthis the means to continue their unlawful war against international shipping. Many of the elements required for this approach already exist in one form or another. What is missing from the ongoing process is a proactive offensive dimension.
