Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for two missile attacks on Panama-flagged container ships in the Gulf of Aden. The attacks, which targeted the MSC Diego and MSC Gina, occurred early Tuesday but caused no damage to the vessels. The Joint Maritime Information Center confirmed that both ships were unharmed, and all crew members are safe. The vessels are reported to be proceeding to their next port of call.
The attacks are believed to be linked to the ongoing conflict between the Houthis and Israel. The rebels have vowed to continue targeting shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden as long as the war in Gaza persists. The Houthis have launched over 50 attacks on shipping since November, leading to a decline in maritime traffic in the region.
Meanwhile, former Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi has reiterated Iran's nuclear ambitions, warning that Tehran could develop a nuclear weapon if its existence is threatened. Tensions between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency have escalated since the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran has since increased uranium enrichment levels, raising concerns about its nuclear program.
The recent drone-and-missile attack on Israel by Iran has further strained relations between the two countries. The attack came in response to an alleged Israeli strike on an Iranian consular building in Syria. The conflict has escalated with reports of Israeli attacks on sensitive nuclear sites in Iran.
The situation remains tense as regional powers navigate complex geopolitical dynamics and security challenges in the Middle East.
