Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis reportedly targeted a cargo ship in the Red Sea, believed to be transporting corn to Iran. This marks the first instance of the Houthis aiming at an Iran-bound vessel amidst their attacks on international shipping, initiated in solidarity with Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Although a U.S. defense official suggested the ship might have been targeted but not hit, details remain sparse. The ship, identified by the Houthis as the Star Iris, was flagged by the Marshall Islands but Greek-owned, contradicting the group’s claim of it being American.
The Star Iris, a Panamax bulk carrier managed by Star Bulk Carriers, had been transporting corn from Brazil to Iran, a significant portion of Iran’s corn imports. The attack is seen as a signal of the Houthis’ independence from Iranian control, with prior notification allegedly given to Tehran.
Houthi militants in Yemen, controlling populous regions, have been targeting vessels linked to the United States, Britain, or Israel since November. This has prompted the rerouting of Red Sea journeys, with some companies opting for longer, costlier routes. In response, U.S. and British forces have conducted retaliatory strikes in Yemen.
The Star Iris incident occurred near Djibouti’s Khor Angar and Yemen’s Mokha port. While damage was reported to the starboard side, the crew remained unharmed. The vessel continued to its destination, Bandar Imam Khomeini, a key Iranian port and grains terminal.
Despite these events, Iran’s food commodities trade remains unaffected by U.S. sanctions. However, the attacks underscore escalating tensions in the region and pose challenges to maritime security.
