British Defence Minister warns Iran: Global patience is running thin over Houthi rebel actions
In an interview with the "Daily Telegraph", Shapps conveyed to the Iranian authorities that "the line has indeed been crossed".
"You must persuade the Houthi rebels and others who function as your supporters, Lebanese Hezbollah being an obvious example and different groups in Iraq and Syria. You must urge these organizations to quit their actions, because as far as we, the world, are concerned, patience is running out," he said.
"We see you. We observe your activities, especially those of the Houthi rebels, and nothing beneficial will emerge from this," he added.
US and British offensive on the Houthis
On Thursday night, British and American forces executed a raid on the positions held by the Houthi rebels in Yemen. This was a response to their attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Last night, US forces executed another raid.
Shapps underscored that the British-American operation was a counter-reaction to the Houthi attacks. "We are taking defensive measures due to the situation with shipping, and due to the attack on HMS Diamond. Iran has a crucial part in this and should comprehend that it must honestly inform its numerous regional allies that nothing beneficial will emerge from this and everyone will lose if they continue along this path," he emphasized.
We cannot let bandits wreak havoc on international shipping and generate risk. It's only a matter of time before completely innocent people, entirely unrelated to the Israel-Gaza conflict, are killed," he added.
