A Greek-owned merchant ship targeted by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea on Monday was carrying corn from Brazil to Iran, according to U.S. Central Command and the State Department.
This appears to be the first time the Houthis have targeted a ship heading to Iran, which provides support to the rebel group that controls parts of Yemen.
The Houthis had previously claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was an American ship.
A State Department spokesperson said: “In this case, Iran’s destabilizing activities appear to have put the food security of the Iranian people at risk.”
The spokesman said the ship was not subject to US sanctions because it was carrying corn, which falls under an exemption that includes food supplies.
The ship is owned by Star Bulk Carriers, “a global shipping company based in Greece with part owners in the United States,” the spokesperson said.
The ship sustained minor damage and there were no casualties among its crew, according to US Central Command.
The ship, named “Star Iris”, was sailing from the Brazilian port of Vila do Conde to the Iranian port of Bandar Imam Khomeini in the Persian Gulf, according to maritime tracking company Kpler.
“The Star Iris, like any Iran-bound cargo ship, did not turn away from the Red Sea, possibly due to attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis who could be considered ‘friendly’ given the ship’s destination,” said Ishan Bhanu, head of the agricultural commodities division. Analyst at Kepler.
“At the level of 4.5 million tons expected for this year, flows from Brazil constitute the majority of Iranian corn imports,” he said.
The Houthis target ships arriving in Israel in the Red Sea in response to what they call the Israeli “aggression” against Gaza.
Despite repeated strikes against Houthi weapons, the Iran-backed rebel group has vowed to continue targeting ships with links to Israel, the US and the UK.
