Iranian vessel connected to Houthi assaults returns home amidst escalating tensions

An Iranian ship, Behshad, believed to be linked to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, has left its position near Yemen and is returning home to Iran. This move comes as tensions rise in the region, with fears of a possible Israeli attack. The US has accused Iran of being heavily involved in the Houthi campaign against merchant shipping in the Red Sea, a claim Tehran denies. Behshad was reportedly the subject of a US cyberattack earlier this year for its alleged role in gathering intelligence for the attacks.

The ship’s return to Iran follows a suspected Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1, which was met with a missile and drone attack from Tehran. Iran’s state media has not commented on Behshad’s recent movements, and it is uncertain whether the ship will return to the Gulf of Aden. Behshad had been deployed to replace another ship, Saviz, which was damaged in an exchange of blows between Iran and Israel in 2021.

The US has called for restraint to prevent further escalation in the region. Behshad’s return to Iran removes a key asset in the Red Sea, potentially impacting the Houthi campaign and Iran’s strategic positioning in the area. The ship’s movements are closely watched by analysts and officials as tensions continue to simmer between Iran and Israel.

Source .