Exclusive: Iran mediating talks for Russian missile transfer to Yemen's Houthis.

According to information published by Reuters on September 24, 2024, Iran has facilitated secret negotiations between Russia and Yemen's Houthi rebels, aiming to transfer advanced anti-ship missiles to the militant group. The ongoing discussions, which have yet to result in a confirmed transfer, focus on supplying the Yakhont missile, also known as the P-800 Oniks. 
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Russian P-800 Oniks missile. (Picture source: Wikipedia/ Boevaya mashina)

Seven sources have indicated that while Moscow has not finalized the decision, the Yakhont missile would significantly enhance the Houthis' ability to target vessels in the Red Sea. Experts warn that this could increase the threat to U.S. and European warships, as well as disrupt global maritime trade further. The Wall Street Journal had reported in July that Russia was considering this missile transfer, but Iran's involvement in brokering the talks had not been previously disclosed.

The Houthis have intensified their drone and missile strikes on ships in the Red Sea since November, partly in solidarity with Palestinians during the ongoing Gaza conflict. Their actions have already caused significant disruptions, sinking two ships and seizing another, forcing shipping companies to reroute cargo and prompting rising insurance costs for vessels navigating the area.

Despite retaliatory strikes by the U.S. and Britain on Houthi positions, the group’s attacks continue. Two regional officials revealed that Russian and Houthi representatives have met in Tehran at least twice this year, with further meetings expected soon. These talks reportedly include plans to supply the Houthis with dozens of Yakhont missiles, which have a range of approximately 300 kilometers.

Russia has previously provided Yakhont missiles to Iran-backed Hezbollah, and the current discussions, which began under Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, reflect a growing alignment between Moscow and Tehran. Western intelligence sources emphasize that Iran is mediating the talks but seeks to avoid direct involvement in the transfer.

Some sources suggest that Russia's willingness to arm the Houthis may be linked to Western military aid to Ukraine. The transfer of Yakhont missiles, regarded as highly advanced, would represent a significant shift in regional security dynamics. Experts believe that the Houthis could use these weapons not only against Western naval forces but also as land-attack missiles, potentially threatening Saudi Arabia.

U.S. officials have raised the issue with Saudi Arabia, which shares concerns over the missile transfer. Russia's potential involvement has drawn alarm across the region.