Yemen's Houthi rebels fired two missiles at a ship bound for a port in Iran, causing minor damage but no injuries to its crew, authorities reported on Monday. The targeted vessel, a Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier named Star Iris, was operated by a Greek company.

The attack highlights the Houthis' increasing targeting of ships in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects these two waterways. The Star Iris, which was en route from Brazil to Bandar Khomeini in Iran, has been regularly involved in trading bulk cargo with Iran – the main supporter and arms provider for the Houthis in Yemen's long-lasting conflict.

According to private security firm Ambrey, the Star Iris sustained damage to its starboard side as a result of the attack. The Houthis attempted to portray the vessel as "American" and claimed to have targeted it with multiple missiles.

The ship's ultimate owner, Star Bulk Carriers Corp., based in Athens, Greece, did not respond to requests for comment. Earlier, another ship owned by the same company, the Star Nasia, was also attacked by the Houthis.

The Houthi military spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, stated that the group would continue to carry out operations in response to "Zionist crimes" against Palestinians in Gaza and the alleged aggression by the US and the UK against Yemen.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, responsible for overseeing Middle East waters, reported the attack on the Star Iris. It occurred as the ship was traveling south through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, separating East Africa from the Arabian Peninsula. The ship's captain confirmed minor damage and the safety of the crew before proceeding to its next port of call.

The recent attack on the Star Iris marks a resumption of Houthi attacks on ships after a brief pause. It is unclear what caused the interruption, but both the US and UK militaries have conducted airstrikes targeting Houthi missile arsenals and launch sites in their controlled territories.

Since November, the Houthis have repeatedly targeted vessels in the Red Sea in response to Israel's military offensive in Gaza. These acts have often endangered shipping in a crucial trade route linking Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.