Iran has facilitated ongoing covert discussions between Russia and Yemen's Houthi rebels to supply anti-ship missiles to the militia, three Western and regional sources said.
According to the sources, Russia has yet to decide whether to transfer the Yakhont missiles, also known as P-800 Oniks, which experts believe would allow the militant group to strike commercial vessels in the Red Sea more accurately and pose a greater threat to US and European warships patrolling the region.
In July, the Wall Street Journal claimed that Russia was considering supplying missiles. Iran's participation as a middleman has not before been revealed.
Since November, the Houthis have undertaken many drone and missile strikes on ships in critical Red Sea commerce corridors to demonstrate their solidarity for Palestinians who are being subjected to a genocide by Israel.
Photo courtesy of Associated Press.