WASHINGTON (AP)— The U.S. on Monday said it holds Iran responsible for attacks on civilian and military vessels by Yemen’s Houthis, with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan saying the U.S. was discussing establishing military escorts for ships in the Red Sea.
(Click below to watch the White House statement on the attacks)
“We are in talks with other countries about maritime task force of sorts involving the ships from partner nations alongside the United States in ensuring safe passage,” he told reporters.
The Iranian-backed Houthis claimed attacks on commercial ships and a U.S. warship on Sunday.
Speaking at the White House, Sullivan said the ultimate blame lies with Tehran.
“The weapons here are being supplied by Iran,” Sullivan said. “Iran, we believe, is the ultimate party responsible for this.”
Sullivan said the U.S. does not believe that all three ships struck by the Houthis had ties to Israel.