Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis fired two missiles at a Greek-operated vessel reportedly carrying corn to Iran through the Red Sea on Monday, causing damage to the vessel but no casualties. The vessel, the Star Iris, failed to escape Houthi attacks near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea despite the fact that its cargo was bound for Iran, with the Houthis describing the vessel as American-owned. The ultimate owner of the vessel is Greek-based Star Bulk Carriers Corp, which is traded on the New York-based NASDAQ stock market. This latest attack intensifies concerns related to shipping through the Red Sea en route to or from the Suez Canal, as it remains unclear what the Houthis will consider an “American” vessel. In the meantime, China is said to be ramping up Red Sea voyages, hoping to maintain what it views as immunity from Houthi attacks.
