In recent news, it has been revealed that the existence of an Iranian spy ship and its activities have been known to the administration since October. The ship is reportedly providing intelligence and directing attacks conducted by Houthi militias in Yemen. These attacks have included coordinated strikes using drones and missiles against multiple targets, including vessels in the Red Sea.
While the Pentagon and the administration have been aware of this situation for weeks, the information only came to light when the Wall Street Journal broke the story last week. It is clear that Iran is supporting the Houthis in their attacks, providing them with targeting data and radar intelligence.
Despite this knowledge, the administration has been cautious about taking action, leading to questions about their motivations. Some argue that they do not want to escalate the situation in the region or widen the scope of the conflict. Others believe that they are prioritizing their focus on China and the Indo-Pacific.
However, critics argue that inaction could have serious consequences. The leader of the Houthis has openly called for direct confrontation with the United States, and there is a risk that U.S. service members could be injured or worse if no action is taken.
Former NSC member Michael Allen has urged the administration to take action now rather than waiting for a catastrophic event. He warns that the longer they wait, the heavier their response will have to be when an attack does occur.
So what does deterrence look like in this situation? Suggestions have been made to strike Iranian and Houthi assets at sea and in Yemen. This would send a message that the U.S. is capable of scaling up its response if necessary.
There has also been debate about the official designation of the Houthi militias. They were previously designated as a foreign terrorist organization but had that designation removed in 2021 due to humanitarian concerns and a push for a truce in Yemen. Some argue that redesignating the Houthis as a terrorist organization would be valuable in terms of responding to their actions.
The situation is complex, with various geopolitical factors at play. The administration is faced with delicate considerations, including maintaining a truce in Yemen with Saudi Arabia and navigating regional security dynamics. However, calls for action are growing louder, emphasizing the need for a decisive response to Iran's support for the Houthis.
As the administration weighs its options, it remains to be seen how they will address this issue and whether they will take significant measures to deter further attacks. The focus now is on protecting American interests and maintaining the international order while preventing future escalations in the region.
