In case no one is noticing, no Russian or Chinese ships are being attacked in the Persian or Arabian Gulfs, or the Red and Aden Seas, but all other flagged ships are.

Houthis are able to effectively strike US Navy ships patrolling Red Sea waterways, restricting freedom of navigation of international sea lanes.

Iran is reportedly mediating negotiations between Russia and Yemen’s Houthi rebels for transfer of P-800 Oniks anti-ship missiles, capable of striking ships in the Red Sea. While Moscow has not yet finalized the deal, talks continue amidst concerns of deeper Russian retaliation against NATO.