The United States has strengthened its military presence in the Middle East in connection with the Palestinian-Israeli armed conflict. Recently, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced the creation of an international coalition and the launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Red Sea. The operation involves the UK, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, Bahrain and the Seychelles.

In fact, the United States has already announced strikes against the Houthis, noting that the targets will primarily be air defense systems.

“The US is considering various options for attacks against the Houthis, including targeting radar installations”, said an official from the US Department of Defense.

The purpose of the operation was declared to protect the safety of navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden from attacks by the Houthis from Yemen. After the start of Israel's military operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Houthis, expressing support for the Palestinian resistance, began to attack southern Israel and merchant ships in the Red Sea.

Spain blocked EU participation in the US initiative, expressing reluctance to disrupt relations with Iran, which supports the Houthis. Egypt, which controls shipping in the Suez Canal, has also refrained from participating in the coalition. A similar position is observed in other countries in the Middle East, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia. They are trying not to spoil relations with Iran and are reserved about supporting the Houthis, who speak out in defense of the Palestinians.