“Sink Iranian Ships…” U.S. Senator Demands Revenge For Houthis Sinking U.S. Ships In Red Sea

During a hearing in the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sullivan highlighted Iran's involvement in facilitating attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden through the Houthi militia. Additionally, a U.S. senator questioned Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin about holding Iran accountable for supporting the Houthi rebels. Sullivan also referenced Operation 'Praying Mantis' during the Reagan administration, where several Iranian ships were sunk for destroying a U.S. destroyer in 1988. The Houthi rebels have been targeting trade vessels in the Red Sea since November, possibly to pressure Israel in its conflict against Hamas. Due to these attacks, Western shipping has been avoiding the Red Sea, rerouting via Africa. The U.S. and UK have responded with retaliatory strikes on Houthi forces in the sea and on land multiple times.