In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, the head of the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, revealed that Iran is "very directly involved" in the ship attacks carried out by Yemen's Houthi rebels during Israel's war against Hamas. While he did not explicitly state that Tehran directed individual attacks by the Houthis, Cooper acknowledged that attacks associated with Iran have expanded beyond the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, now encompassing waters across the wider Middle East.

Cooper emphasized the significance of the Houthi actions, particularly in their attacks on merchant shipping, which he described as the most significant in two generations. He stated that these attacks target the international community, prompting an international response. However, Iran's mission to the United Nations and the Houthi leadership in Yemen's capital have yet to respond to requests for comment.

Since November, the Houthis, backed by Iran, have launched at least 34 attacks on shipping in the waterways leading to Egypt's Suez Canal, a crucial route for energy and cargo trade between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. These attacks by the Shiite rebel group have been linked to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, despite the targeted ships having tenuous or no connections to Israel.

In response to the escalating situation, the U.S. has conducted seven rounds of airstrikes on Houthi military sites in recent days, targeting air bases and suspected missile launch sites under the rebels' control. However, the global economy continues to face risks as ships opt for longer routes around Africa's southern tip, bypassing the Suez Canal. This has resulted in lower revenue for Egypt and increased shipping costs that could contribute to global inflation.

Cooper's remarks also highlighted the threat posed by Iran's proxies and the distribution of weapons from the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean. The U.S. has previously attributed recent drone attacks on shipping to Iran, and a U.S.-owned cargo vessel was targeted by the Houthis in the Gulf of Aden last week. While Iran has not directly engaged in fighting with Israel or the U.S. since the start of the Gaza conflict, Cooper asserted that Iran has been actively fueling the Houthi attacks on shipping.

Describing the ship attacks as the worst since the Tanker War of the 1980s, Cooper drew attention to the previous naval battle between the U.S. and Iran during that period. He noted that the authorities currently have no plans to reflag ships and escort them past Yemen, as they did back then to protect vessels damaged by Iranian mines.

Cooper's statements underscore the growing concerns of a regional conflict arising from the Israel-Hamas war. On Monday, the Houthi military spokesman claimed responsibility for an attack on the Ocean Jazz, a U.S.-flagged ship, although the shipping company declined to comment. Meanwhile, Cooper revealed that the 5th Fleet has established Task Force 59, a drone fleet aimed at enhancing surveillance and interdiction operations in the region.

As Cooper's command approaches its end in February, he expressed the urgent need for the Houthi rebels to halt their attacks on international merchant ships. With Rear Adm. George Wikoff set to assume command, the Navy and merchant shippers continue to face a serious threat from the Houthis.

In conclusion, the U.S. Navy's top Mideast commander's statements confirm Iran's direct involvement in the ship attacks orchestrated by the Houthi rebels during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The international community awaits a decisive response to this escalating situation that poses significant risks to maritime trade and regional stability.