Houthi attack targets Iranian ship for the first time

The Star Iris, which came under attack by the Houthis in the Red Sea on the morning of February 12, was en route to Iran from Brazil carrying a cargo of corn, as reported by Reuters citing shipping experts.

The Associated Press also reported that the Houthis mistakenly targeted the cargo ship.

International news agencies highlight that this is the first instance of a ship bound for Iran being attacked in the Red Sea region.

The US military indicates that the ship likely sustained no damage.

Earlier, Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed that the Yemeni Navy launched several missiles at the Star Iris, labeling the ship as American and asserting that "the target was hit."

According to MarineTraffic, the Star Iris is a bulk carrier flying under the flag of the Marshall Islands. It was reported to have been in the Red Sea about two days ago.

Previously, the British maritime security company Ambrey reported that a Greek cargo ship flying the flag of the Marshall Islands was targeted by two missiles while in Bab-el-Mandeb, linking the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.