Iran goes public with stark warning over suspected spy ship as U.S. refuses to rule out more strikes
Iran has issued a strongly worded warning not to target a ship that analysts suspect of providing real-time intelligence for attacks on ships in the Red Sea.
ERBIL, Iraq — After a weekend of U.S. strikes against its proxies in Iraq, Syria and Yemen, Iran has issued a strongly worded warning not to target a ship that U.S. officials and analysts suspect of providing real-time intelligence for attacks on other vessels in the Red Sea and serving as a forward operating base for its commandos.
In a slickly produced video published on the Iranian army’s Telegram channel Sunday, a narrator says in English that “those engaging in terrorist activities against the MV Behshad or similar vessels, jeopardize international maritime routes, security and assume global responsibility for potential future international risks.”
Describing the Behshad as a “floating armory,” the narrator says it is involved in missions to “counteract piracy in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden,” although Iran is not publicly known to have taken part in any recent anti-piracy campaigns in the region.
The video ends with footage of what appears to be ships in an American carrier group flashing red as though they are being targeted. A man then lowers the U.S. flag.
Houthi fighters at a rally in support of Palestinians on the outskirts of Yemen's capital Sana'a yesterday.Mohammed Hamoud / Getty ImagesAsked by NBC News about the ship Monday, Defense Department press secretary Maj Gen. Patrick Ryder said, “I am not aware of the U.S. targeting the Behshad. We are very well aware of the ship.”
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