Tehran/Washington,11 September (H.S.): Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says its naval forces thwarted the intentions of a US “Saildrone-type” unmanned vessel by attacking it in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi rebels, staunchly backed by Iran, have seized the key Red Sea port city of Mocha. Concerned over the Houthi move, the United Nations Security Council has held a meeting on Yemen.

According to reports by Al Jazeera and CBS News, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre said it had received reports of two vessels being struck by projectiles, such as missiles or rockets, near the coast of Oman. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have taken control of the strategically important Red Sea city of Mocha. With this development, the Houthis have expanded their control over the strategically vital Bab al-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most important trade routes.

The UN Security Council held a meeting on Yemen in light of the takeover. Yemen’s representative to the United Nations said that the aggression by the “Houthi terrorist” group against neighbouring countries and civilians in the region had intensified. Saudi Arabia’s representative to the UN, Abdulaziz Al-Wasil, said his country would take all necessary measures to protect its security and prevent Houthi attacks.

Pakistan’s representative to the United Nations said the escalating conflict in Yemen could have potentially far-reaching consequences for the wider region. He called for a swift diplomatic resolution.

Following this, Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that Yemen has the right to live a dignified life free from “pressure, intimidation and a ruthless blockade.” It said the world must fully respect Yemen’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The ministry’s statement, broadcast by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, said that the issues concerning Yemen could not be resolved through continued blockades and military assistance. The ministry also said Iran was prepared to undertake diplomatic efforts regarding the situation in Yemen.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Iran was desperate to influence the midterm elections. He expressed hope that the conflict would end immediately after the midterm elections. Speaking to reporters, he said, “I think the war will end right after the election, because they can’t last much longer.”

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar