With the Iranian-backed Houthis ramping up their effort to seize or attack any ship even remotely affiliated with Israel passing through the Red Sea, the United States is appealing to European and other countries to form a task force to protect international shipping in this vital lane.
European media reports and public statements by senior American officials point to an increased effort by the United States to keep the Red Sea open for shipping against efforts of Iran-backed Houthi forces to blockade it, according to an analysis by Globes.
The naval route leading via the Red Sea through the Suez Canal handles about 12% of global shipping, including significant exporting of European goods and importing of oil from various sources to the continent.
Ever since October 7, Iran-backed Houthi forces, who control parts of Yemen, have launched attacks or attempted hijacking of ships even loosely affiliated with Israel or set to dock in Israeli ports at the narrow straits of the Bab el-Mandeb.
American and now French forces have worked to foil these efforts, but the United States believes more effort is needed, and major European countries seem to agree. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that the US is working intensively on the next steps to secure freedom of navigation.