David Cameron issues warning to Iran as Houthi Red Sea crisis deepens

04 February 2024 , 18:36

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Tensions have escalated in the Middle East as the Houthis refused to back down (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

Ministers have warned that airstrikes in Yemen will continue if attacks on commercial ships don't stop as the Red Sea crisis deepens.

On Saturday night the UK and the US struck 36 Houthi targets in an effort to wipe out Iran-backed fighters, while Foreign Secretary David Cameron vowed Iranian leaders would face the consequences of their actions. The Government insisted the latest round of strikes - the third this month - wasn't an escalation, with Defence Secretary Grant Shapps saying they were carried out "to protect innocent lives and preserve freedom of navigation".

But Houthi militants, who have been attacking commercial ships in order to disrupt supply chains, responded that the latest bombings will not "go unanswered", saying they were acting in solidarity with Palestine. And Iran issued an ominous threat of its own, saying the US could spark "future international risks" if it strikes two suspected spy ships thought to be operating bases for commandos.

It ramps up the threat of further bloodshed in the region days after US President Joe Biden ordered separate strikes in Iran and Syria in response to the death of three American troops. Foreign Secretary David Cameron said: "We have issued repeated warnings to the Houthis.

David Cameron has warned of further strikes if Red Sea attacks don't stop (Anadolu via Getty Images)

"Their reckless actions are putting innocent lives at risk, threatening the freedom of navigation and destabilising the region. The Houthi attacks must stop."

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But Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea refused to back down, stating: "These attacks will not discourage Yemeni forces and the nation from maintaining their support for Palestinians in the face of the Zionist occupation and crimes. The aggressors' air strikes will not go unanswered."

The Houthis have been attacking commercial vessels since November in response to Israel's military operation in Gaza following Hamas' terror attack the previous month. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said the Houthis "will continue to bear further consequences if they do not end their illegal attacks".

Lord Cameron also issued a stern warning to Iran, which is also accused of backing militants who killed three US troops in a drone attack in Jordan last week. Addressing Iranian leaders he said: "You created them, you backed them, you financed them, you provided them with weapons and you will ultimately be held accountable for what they do."

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On Friday the US carried out a series of strikes in Iraq and Syria targeting pro-Iranian fighters, sparking accusations of destablising the region. US Central Command said it hit more than 85 targets at Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and militia groups linked to the Iranian regime.

Mr Biden said he wasn't seeking conflict in the Middle East, but added: "Let all those who might do us harm know this: if you harm an American, we will respond.". Iraq issued a furious response to the US attacks on its territory, saying the "aggressive" action will put security in the region "on the brink of the abyss".

And Iran warned against targeting two vessels - the Behshad and Saviz - in a sign of growing anxiety about military operations in the Middle East. A video statement by the Iranian army, featuring images of US warships, said: "Those engaging in terrorist activities against Behshad or similar vessels jeopardise international maritime routes, security and assume global responsibility for potential future international risks."

It comes as UK ministers face pressure to strengthen the UK's armed forces after experts concluded they are not ready for all-out war. The cross-party Defence Committee said the military is "consistently overstretched", with little time for training in warfighting.

"The Government risks being unable to build true warfighting and strategic readiness because of the sheer pace of operations, which could threaten the security of the UK," the report said. Labour Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey said: “This new all-party report lays bare the results of 14 Conservative years during which Ministers have ‘hollowed out' our Armed Forces and mismanaged budgets, while failing to get to grips with deep challenges in defence.

“Conservative Ministers have missed their Forces recruitment targets every year, allowed personnel to live in damp and mouldy housing and overseen satisfaction with service life falling by a third to 40%. Britain will be better defended with Labour."

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The Ministry of Defence responded: "Our Armed Forces are always ready to protect and defend the UK, and we continue to meet all operational commitments, including participating in every single NATO mission, supporting Ukraine, and tackling Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea."

Following Saturday night's airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, Rishi Sunak was criticised for not consulting MPs before ordering action. Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Lib Dems, said: "The Liberal Democrats support the case for limited strikes, so long as they remain limited.

"However, it is absolutely vital that Parliament has an opportunity to have its say, via a debate and a vote. It is becoming increasingly worrying that the Prime Minister seems to be doing all he can to avoid a proper debate and accountability in Parliament.”

Dave Burke