Houthis Allow Rescue Operations for Damaged Oil Tanker in Red Sea

The Houthi group, aligned with Iran, consented to rescue operations for a damaged oil tanker in the Red Sea. The tanker, Sounion, poses an environmental hazard with its massive crude oil cargo. The agreement followed international pressure amidst ongoing conflict-related incidents involving the Houthis.

The Houthi group, aligned with Iran, has agreed to allow tugboats and rescue ships access to a damaged oil tanker, Sounion, in the Red Sea, Iran's mission to the United Nations confirmed on Wednesday. This follows the group's attack on the Greek-flagged vessel last week.

Shipping officials have raised alarms about the environmental risks posed by the tanker, which is carrying 150,000 tonnes of crude oil. A spill could become one of the largest maritime oil disasters in history. In a statement, Iran's U.N. mission emphasized that the Houthis' consent was driven by the urgency of humanitarian and environmental concerns.

The Houthi's spokesperson, Mohammed Abdulsalam, clarified there was no temporary truce but acknowledged their agreement for tugboats to tow the Sounion after international intervention. The group has continued its aerial strikes on the Red Sea, citing solidarity with Palestinians. Conflicting reports exist about oil leaks from the Sounion, which Reuters has not independently verified.

(With inputs from agencies.)