US: Iran 'deeply involved' in attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea

(Patria) - Iran was 'deeply involved' in planning operations against commercial ships in the Red Sea, and its intelligence data were important in enabling the Yemeni Houthi movement to target ships, the White House said on Friday, Reuters reported.

The Iran-backed Houthis, who say their attacks are support for Palestinians under Israeli siege in Gaza, have targeted commercial ships in the Red Sea with drones and missiles, forcing shippers to change course and take routes around the southern tip of Africa.

"We know that Iran was deeply involved in planning operations against commercial ships in the Red Sea. This is consistent with Iran's long-term material support and encouragement of the Houthis' destabilizing actions in the region," said Adrienne Watson, White House National Security Council spokesperson, in a statement.

"This is an international challenge that requires collective action," Watson added.

Iran denies involvement in Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.