In a recent development, the United States has reportedly carried out a cyberattack on an Iranian military ship that was gathering intelligence on cargo vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. According to three U.S. officials, the operation took place more than a week ago as part of the Biden administration's response to a drone attack by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. This attack had resulted in the death of three U.S. service members in Jordan late last month, while also leaving several others injured.

The primary objective of the cyberattack was to hinder the Iranian ship's ability to share intelligence with Houthi rebels in Yemen. It is believed that Iran uses this vessel, known as the MV Behshad, to provide targeting information to the Houthis, enabling them to launch more effective missile and drone attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea.

While the U.S. officials declined to reveal the name of the ship, they emphasized that covert operations, including cyberattacks, are typically not disclosed publicly. In an interview with NBC News, Iran's U.N. ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, stated that the Behshad was deployed in the Red Sea with the sole purpose of combating piracy, denying any involvement in providing intelligence to Houthi forces.

Military analysts have noted that the Behshad has been operating near the port of Djibouti since January, close to a Chinese military base. This strategic positioning may serve as a deterrent to prevent any physical attacks or boarding attempts by U.S. naval forces on the suspected spy vessel.

The repeated attacks by Houthi rebels on cargo ships since November have led major shipping companies, including Maersk, to halt their operations in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. This disruption will inevitably result in increased delivery times and costs for goods, as approximately 12% of global shipping passes through the Red Sea daily.

The Houthis, who receive support and weaponry from Iran, have vowed to persist with their attacks until Israel ceases its military operations in the Gaza Strip. In response to the attack on U.S. soldiers in Jordan, President Joe Biden ordered a multi-faceted response, encompassing airstrikes in Iraq and Syria on February 2. Military strikes and cyber operations were stated to be part of this retaliatory campaign.

In an attempt to deter any potential targeting, Iran issued a video warning on February 4, specifically mentioning the Behshad. Despite this, the Pentagon's press secretary, Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder, indicated that although unaware of specific targeting, the U.S. is well aware of the ship's activities.

The deaths of the three American service members in the January 28 attack were part of over 160 assaults on U.S. forces in the region by Iranian-backed militants, according to U.S. officials. The Pentagon confirmed that U.S. retaliatory strikes had resulted in the killing or injury of more than 40 Iranian-backed militants in Iraq and Syria. Additionally, a commander of the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia, believed to be responsible for the Jordan attack, was targeted and killed in a drone strike in Baghdad.

Despite the U.S. military response, U.S. officials have informed NBC News that Iran continues to provide arms and intelligence to its proxies in the region, indicating the ongoing challenges faced by the United States in managing the situation effectively.