On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, the United States accused Russia of engaging in discussions with the Iran-backed Houthi movement, classified as a terrorist organization, to supply weapons as the group continues to launch attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

Tim Lenderking, the US special envoy for Yemen, made the remarks to AFP on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, stating that Moscow is "striking its own deals" with the Houthis to allow its ships to pass unharmed.

"We have confirmation that the Russians and Houthis are exploring ways to cooperate, including arms transfers," Lenderking said. "While we don’t know if these transfers are happening as we speak, the situation has reached a point that demands we all sound the alarm to prevent this."

He warned that if arms transfers were to take place, it could significantly alter the conflict dynamics, potentially derailing ongoing efforts to resolve the decade-long war in Yemen.

Lenderking expressed concern that the prospect of Russia supplying the Houthis with lethal weapons raises serious alarms among regional countries. The relationship between Russia and the US has deteriorated sharply since the invasion of Ukraine, with Washington leading Western nations in imposing sanctions on Moscow and supplying arms to Kyiv.

Simultaneously, Russia maintains friendly relations with Saudi Arabia, which leads the Arab coalition supporting the internationally recognized Yemeni government against the Houthis. Any move to bolster the Houthis would likely raise concerns in Riyadh.

The US envoy mentioned intensive diplomatic efforts at the UN General Assembly aimed at curtailing attacks in the Red Sea. He noted that Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the Yemen crisis with Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers in New York and held meetings with Saudi, Emirati, Omani, and Yemeni officials this week.

"We are all seeking the right mix of pressure and incentives to encourage the Houthis to withdraw from the Red Sea," he emphasized, reiterating that a diplomatic solution remains the "optimal" path.

Regarding Iran's role in the discussions between Russia and the Houthis, Lenderking stated, "Iran is always looking for ways to protect and enhance the interests of the Houthis."

In parallel, Reuters reported from three Western sources that Iran is mediating ongoing secret talks between Russia and the Houthis to transfer anti-ship missiles to the militant group, highlighting the growing ties between Tehran and Moscow.

Seven additional sources indicated that Russia has not yet decided to transfer the Yakhont missiles, also known as P-800 Oniks. Experts noted that these missiles would enable the Houthis to strike commercial vessels in the Red Sea with greater precision, increasing the threat to US and European warships tasked with protecting maritime traffic.

Since November 2023, the Houthi movement has continued its attacks using missiles and drones against commercial shipping in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden. These attacks have driven up marine insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to favor the longer route around the southern tip of Africa.

In response to Houthi threats and to protect maritime navigation, the United States formed a multinational coalition in December 2023 and has occasionally carried out strikes against Houthi military targets.