A Greek-owned commercial ship attacked Monday by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea was transporting corn from Brazil to Iran, according to U.S. Central Command and the State Department.
This appears to be the first time the Houthis have attacked a ship bound for Iran, which provides support to the rebel group that controls parts of Yemen.
The Houthis had previously claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was a US ship.
“In this case, it appears that Iran's destabilizing activities have jeopardized the food security of the Iranian people,” a State Department spokesperson said.
The ship was not subject to US sanctions because it was carrying corn, which is included in an exemption covering food supplies, the spokesman said.
The spokesperson said the vessel is owned by Star Bulk Carriers, “a global shipping company based in Greece and part-owned by the United States.”
The ship suffered minor damage and its crew was not injured, according to US Central Command.
The ship, named “Star Iris,” was sailing from the Brazilian port of Vila Do Conde to the Iranian port of Bandar Imam Khomeini in the Persian Gulf, according to maritime tracking company Kpler.
“The Star Iris, like any Iran-bound bulk carrier, had not diverted from the Red Sea, perhaps without fear of attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthis, who could be considered 'friendly' given the ship's fate,” Ishan said. Bhanu, Agricultural Products Leader. Kpler analyst.
“With a projection of 4.5 million tonnes this year, flows from Brazil account for the majority of Iran's corn imports,” he said.
The Houthis have been attacking ships delivering to Israel in the Red Sea in response to what they call Israel's “aggression” against Gaza.
Despite repeated attacks on Houthi weapons, the Iran-backed rebel group has vowed to continue attacking ships with links to Israel, the United States and the United Kingdom.
