U.S Finally Admits They Are In Deep Trouble, France And NATO Deny Support, Iran Retalliates

U.S Finally Admits They Are In Deep Trouble, France And NATO Deny Support, Iran Retalliates #redsea #oil #trade Enter the stage of the Red Sea drama with the revelation by US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, on December 19. Operation Prosperity Guardian emerges as a collective effort to safeguard shipping lanes in the Red Sea. Picture it as a team venture where various countries join forces, each on its own terms. Australia, a key player, faces a pivotal moment. When asked for a warship, they surprise everyone by declining. Defense Minister Richard Marles clarifies that Australia’s primary focus is the Indo-Pacific, refusing to send ships or planes to the Middle East. Instead, they opt to significantly boost their troop contribution to the US-led maritime force, nearly tripling their commitment. Australia’s unique approach involves sending an additional six Australian Defence Force personnel, signaling their response to the unfolding situation. In a different dance, Spain expresses uncertainty, stating that they cannot decide independently and need approval from the EU and NATO. This sets a potential precedent for Italy, Netherlands, and France, who might be awaiting nods from these international bodies before committing to the cause. The initial perception is that Spain is on board, but subsequent developments reveal a nuanced back-and-forth. II. Geopolitical Significance of the Red Sea Region Zooming out, the Red Sea region’s geopolitical importance becomes evident. Houthi rebels, stirring trouble, target ships with perceived ties to Israel. Major energy player BP hits pause on shipping in the area, causing a ripple effect. Companies like Evergreen and Maersk suspend operations off the Yemen coast, prompting over 100 ships to alter their routes. The consequence? Delays, financial losses, and potential global spikes in energy and oil prices. In response, the US launches Operation Prosperity Guardian to secure the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The situation in the Red Sea is a tangled web, but concerted efforts are underway to ensure the safety of shipping lanes. III. France, Italy, and Spain’s Decision to Step Back Now, a major twist unfolds on the maritime front. France, Italy, and Spain decide to distance themselves from the US-led maritime task force in the Red Sea. Instead, they opt to operate under international bodies like the United Nations, NATO, or the European Union while maintaining autonomy over their ships. France emphasizes securing freedom of navigation but keeps its ships under French command. Italy, contributing its naval frigate, Virginio Fasan, asserts its action is for national interests, not a direct part of the US-led coalition. Spain aligns with NATO-led missions or EU-coordinated operations, steering clear of independent involvement in the Red Sea. Each country has its unique perspective on this decision. France aims to support navigation freedom while maintaining command over its ships. Italy contributes to the naval frigate for its national interests but remains separate from Operation Prosperity Guardian. Spain adopts a cautious approach, expressing willingness to join only under NATO or EU leadership. IV. US Response and the Puncture in the Plan The US response to this maritime challenge resembles a puncture before setting sail. The formation of an anti-Houthi group was triggered after the US destroyer intercepted missiles from Yemen in November, escalating the situation. Initially downplayed as regional tension, the gravity heightened when Houthi activities targeted ships around the Suez Canal. Despite the US Navy’s significant presence in the area, collaboration with friendly nations is sought. Why? A massive force alone is insufficient, and engaging Yemen unilaterally could be perceived as direct involvement in the Israel-Yemen situation. Thus, Operation Prosperity Guardian is a collaborative effort to address a complex problem without appearing as a solo US endeavor. V. Iran’s Role and Global Implications Enter the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, launching retaliatory attacks on ships in response to the Israeli-Gaza situation. The US accuses Iran of orchestrating these attacks, yet Iran dismisses the allegations, attributing the moves to the Houthis. On December 23, Houthi militants fired anti-ship missiles into the Southern Red Sea, targeting international shipping lanes. The US Central Command reports attacks on the MV Saibaba and the USS Laboon, marking the 14th and 15th attacks on commercial shipping since October 17. Tensions escalate further as the Houthis hold 25 crew members of the Israeli-owned ship, the MV Galaxy Leader, as prisoners. A perplexing question emerges – are the Houthi moves coordinated not only with Iran but potentially with Moscow and Beijing? More Details In The Video