DUBAI – Amid escalating tensions in the Red Sea, Iran’s Alborz warship has entered the crucial waterway, prompting concern from major shipping companies and adding fuel to the already volatile mix of the Israel-Hamas war and Houthi attacks on vessels.
The semi-official Tasnim news agency confirmed the warship’s presence, though details of its mission remain unclear. Iran has maintained its warships operate in open waters for various tasks, including securing shipping routes and combating piracy, since 2009.
However, the Alborz’s entry comes at a sensitive time. Houthi forces, backed by Iran, have targeted vessels in the Red Sea since November in a show of support for Hamas during the recent conflict with Israel. This has sent major shipping companies scrambling for alternative routes, bypassing the Suez Canal and opting for the longer, costlier journey around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope.
The Red Sea, responsible for roughly 12% of global trade, has become a flashpoint in the region. The presence of a powerful Iranian warship further escalates tensions, raising concerns about potential disruptions to shipping and the potential for wider conflict.
Adding to the uncertainty is the lack of official confirmation from the Iranian Navy regarding the Alborz’s specific mission. Social media reports suggest its arrival late on Saturday, but details remain unverified. The U.S. Fifth Fleet, operating in the region, declined to comment on the unconfirmed reports.
The incident follows Houthi attacks on a Maersk container vessel last weekend, forcing the shipping giant to temporarily halt all Red Sea operations. This incident, coupled with Iran’s Navy chief’s recent statement claiming “predominance” in the region, paints a picture of a tense and potentially volatile environment.