Maritime security

Cargo vessel exchanges fire with armed craft off of Yemen, UKMTO reports

There was an exchange of fire between the small craft and the vessel's armed security team, and the craft then turned away, UKMTO added.

 Ship and tug boats are seen at the Red Sea port of Hodeidah, Yemen February 1, 2017.
Supporters of the Iran-backed Houthi movement brandish their weapons as they rally in solidarity with Iran and Lebanon amid the Middle East war, in the capital Sanaa on April 17, 2026.

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis vow to block Israeli ships from traversing Red Sea

Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, April 27, 2026.

Iran: US Hormuz escort plan would breach ceasefire

 A US coast guard ship is pictured at sea in the Moray Firth, northern Scotland, on January 14, 2026. Britain said on January 7, it provided "enabling support" during a US operation to seize the Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic, which was condemned by Moscow.

Russia’s shadow fleet continues passing UK waters despite boarding threat


Four saved from Red Sea ship sunk by Houthis, crew still held captive

The Houthis are believed to be holding six of the Eternity C's complement of 22 crew and three guards, maritime security sources said.

 Eternity C cargo ship; illustrative

Houthi attacks show Israel is not entering quiet period after Iran ceasefire - analysis

The Houthis had stopped their attacks on shipping over the last six months, following a ceasefire in Gaza and then a short US bombing campaign.

 People tour the deck of the Galaxy Leader commercial ship, seized by Houthi terrorists in November 2023, off the coast of al-Salif, Yemen, December 5, 2023.

Israel strikes Houthi ports across Yemen, 'Galaxy Leader' ship

The IDF struck three ports, a power station, and a ship used for terrorist purposes in the Red Sea, Defense Minister Katz noted.

 IR SUPERIORITY proved the decisive factor in both the Six Day War and Israel’s 12-day war against Iran. During Operation Rising Lion, dozens of IDF fighter jets conducted waves of strikes across Iran, decimating the country’s defense systems – more than 1,500 km. from Israeli territory.

First Red Sea naval attack in months raises alarms - analysis

The attack on the ship comes as Iranian-backed militias in Iraq are also suspected of numerous drone and missile attacks over the past two weeks.

THE ‘CORDELIA MOON’ oil tanker bursts into flames after being hit in a Houthi missile attack off Yemen’s Hodeidah Port last October.

Iran's last card: Will the Houthis try to rejoin the war amid Israeli strikes? - analysis

The US threats to intervene against Iran have apparently led the Houthis to reconsider their stance, leading to Iran possibly playing its final card.

Houthi supporters protest in solidarity with Palestinians and Iran, in Sanaa, Yemen June 20, 2025

Iran and Israel trade accusations at UN shipping agency over sea lanes

Iran has previously threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz to traffic in retaliation for Western pressure.

 IDF Naval Commander V.-Adm. David Saar Salama and Iranian Navy Commander R.-Adm. Shahram Irani (illustrative).

Two oil tankers collide and catch fire near Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz links the Gulf to the northwest with the Gulf of Oman to the southeast and the Arabian Sea beyond.

 A view of a ship on fire in the area of reported collision between two oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, United Arab Emirates, June 16, 2025

Former Israeli Navy chief: Handling of Gaza flotilla incident was a 'diplomatic failure'

The Gaza Flotilla was "a completely unnecessary event that should have ended as a diplomatic event," the former Navy commander said.

Activist Greta Thunberg seen aboard the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, with an Israeli Navy vessel seen in the background

Red Sea marine traffic jumps by 60% in wake of Houthi, US ceasefire

The number of merchant ships using the narrow Bab al-Mandab strait increased after missile and drone attacks by the Houthis slowed.

 Houthi protesters hold weapons during a demonstration in Sanaa, Yemen, May 30, 2025

Greta Thunberg's flotilla en route to Gaza: How is the IDF preparing?

The IDF is prepared for the arrival of the protest flotilla called the "Freedom Flotilla". It will take control of the vessel and deport protestors if necessary.

A drone view shows the Gaza-bound aid ship Madleen, organized by the international NGO Freedom Flotilla Coalition, anchored off the coast of Catania, Italy, on June 1, 2025