In response to the recent Houthi drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan announced on Monday that the United States is consulting with allies to determine the most appropriate action. The attacks targeted three commercial ships in international waters on Sunday, raising concerns over the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The USS Carney, a Navy destroyer deployed in the area, intercepted and shot down three drones while providing assistance to the vessels, according to CENTCOM. Although it is unclear at this time if the Carney was the intended target, the Pentagon's deputy press secretary, Sabrina Singh, did not rule out the possibility.

During a press briefing at the White House, Sullivan emphasized the need for global collaboration in addressing the emerging threat posed by the Houthis, whom he claims are supported by Iran. Sullivan stated, "We have made clear that the entire world needs to step up together, not the U.S. alone, but all of us working together to deal with this emerging challenge that the Houthis present, backed by Iran."

The attacks occurred amidst heightened tensions in the region due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Sullivan highlighted the efforts made by the United States to prevent the situation from escalating further, including the deployment of carriers and air wings to contain the conflict within Gaza. However, he expressed concern over the "very alarming behavior" of Iranian-aligned militia groups in Iraq and Syria, targeting U.S. forces.

Blaming Iran for the Houthi attacks, Sullivan stated, "We are talking about the Houthis here, they are the ones with their finger on the trigger, but that gun, the weapons here are being supplied by Iran, and Iran, we believe, is the ultimate party responsible for this." He emphasized that Iran's support to the Houthis constitutes a significant source of global concern and a threat to international peace and stability.

Sullivan also highlighted that the targeted commercial ships had ties to 14 different countries, underscoring the extent of the threat posed by the Houthis. Although not all three ships were believed to have connections to Israel, Sullivan condemned the reckless actions of the Houthi rebels, stating that their targets were unjustifiable under international law, regardless of their ties to Israel.

As the United States consults with its allies, the international community waits to see what action will be taken in response to the continued Houthi attacks. The situation in the Red Sea and the broader Middle East remains a critical concern, requiring collaborative efforts to ensure the safety and stability of the region.