Recent strikes by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea have prompted concerns about the effectiveness of countermeasures to prevent these attacks. Former USS Cole commander, Kirk Lippold, shed light on the situation, emphasizing the continuous efforts by the United States Navy to defend ships in the region. Despite ongoing strikes, Lippold pointed out that the US military has taken action by conducting strikes on Houthi missile sites, command and control centers, and radar systems. The aim is to degrade their capabilities, which have been instrumental in disrupting travel along the Red Sea.
Additionally, recent events have highlighted the involvement of Iran in supporting the Houthis. The interdiction of a vessel carrying armaments, suspected of being supplied by Iran, underscores the source of the problem. Lippold raised concerns about addressing this issue, given the fear that it may escalate into a global conflict. However, he acknowledged that the situation has already widened due to the actions of the Houthis.
In terms of possible strategies, Lippold emphasized the need for a strategic approach. He argued against immediate strikes into Iran, citing a track record of allowing Iran to harm Americans without consequence for the past 40 years. Instead, he suggested levying sanctions against Iran, as was done during the Trump administration, to make the Iranian government pay an economic price for their actions. Lippold also proposed increasing maritime interdiction operations to prevent the transport of illicit cargo to and from Iran.
In addition to these measures, Lippold emphasized the importance of targeting Iran's proxies. By holding them accountable, the goal is to degrade not only Iran's regional capabilities but also hinder their progress in obtaining a nuclear weapon.
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, was also deemed a failure by Lippold. He proposed revisiting the deal and considering alternative approaches to prevent Iran's nuclear ambitions.
While the situation remains complex, Lippold highlighted the importance of finding ways to hold Iran accountable and prevent further escalation without resorting to all-out war. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive and strategic approach to deal with the ongoing threat posed by the Houthi rebels and their Iranian backers.
In conclusion, the strikes by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea have raised concerns about countermeasures. Lippold emphasized the efforts of the US Navy in defending ships and conducting strikes on Houthi sites. The involvement of Iran as the source of the problem was acknowledged, and Lippold proposed sanctions and maritime interdiction as alternative strategies. Holding Iran and its proxies accountable while preventing them from acquiring a nuclear weapon were deemed crucial objectives to ensure regional stability.
