Iran Mediates Secret Russia-Houthis Talks on Anti-Ship Missiles Transfer, Reuters Reports

Iran is reportedly hosting secret negotiations between Russia and the Iran-backed Houthi movement from Yemen regarding the transfer of Russian supersonic anti-ship missiles, Reuters reported, citing seven unnamed sources.

The sources indicated that Russia has yet to decide whether to supply its Yakhont missiles (also known as the P-800 Oniks) after two meetings held in Tehran this year. However, discussions on providing "dozens" of these missiles are ongoing and expected to continue in the coming weeks. If transferred, the missiles would pose a new threat to European and US warships securing trade routes in the Red Sea.

Houthi forces began targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea following Israel's invasion of Gaza. Since November, they have reportedly sunk at least two ships and seized another one, forcing merchant ships to alter their routes and disrupting global maritime trade.

Previously, Russia supplied Yakhont missiles to Iran-backed Hezbollah, increasing risks for the U.S. Navy in the Middle East.

In addition, Houthi forces recently attacked a tanker carrying Russian oil in the Red Sea.