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Yemen: Houthi Seizure of Galaxy Leader Is Iranian Terrorism by Proxy

A grab from footage released by Yemen's Huoutj Media Center on November 19, 2023, reportedly shows members of the militias during the capture of an Israel-linked cargo vessel at an undefined location in the Red Sea. (Houthi media/AFP)
A grab from footage released by Yemen's Huoutj Media Center on November 19, 2023, reportedly shows members of the militias during the capture of an Israel-linked cargo vessel at an undefined location in the Red Sea. (Houthi media/AFP)
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Yemen: Houthi Seizure of Galaxy Leader Is Iranian Terrorism by Proxy

A grab from footage released by Yemen's Huoutj Media Center on November 19, 2023, reportedly shows members of the militias during the capture of an Israel-linked cargo vessel at an undefined location in the Red Sea. (Houthi media/AFP)
A grab from footage released by Yemen's Huoutj Media Center on November 19, 2023, reportedly shows members of the militias during the capture of an Israel-linked cargo vessel at an undefined location in the Red Sea. (Houthi media/AFP)

The Delegation of the European Union in Yemen condemned on Tuesday the Iran-backed Houthi militias’ seizure of the Galaxy Leader cargo ship on Sunday.

In a statement, it expressed its "strong condemnation of the seizure by the Houthis of the Galaxy Leader in the southern Red Sea."

"Threats to international navigation and maritime security are unacceptable," it added, calling for the immediate release of the ship and its crew.

EU citizens are among the crew, it noted.

The Houthis, who have been sending drones and long-range missiles at Israel in solidarity with Hamas, seized the Galaxy Leader cargo ship on Sunday in the southern Red Sea, describing it as Israeli-owned.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby described on Tuesday the Houthis' seizure as a "flagrant violation of international law" in which "Iran is complicit."

The Bahamas-flagged car carrier is chartered by Japan's Nippon Yusen. It is owned by a firm registered under Isle of Man-headquartered Ray Car Carriers, which is a unit of Tel Aviv-incorporated Ray Shipping, according to LSEG data.

Iran has denied involvement in the seizure of the ship, which the car carrier's owner on Monday said was taken to the Houthi-controlled southern Yemen port of Hodeidah.

The legitimate Yemeni government condemned the incident, saying it was "Iranian terrorism by proxy".

In an official statement on Tuesday, it expressed its "complete rejection of marine piracy in Yemen’s regional waters that is carried out by the Houthis with the full support of the Iranian regime."

The incident "poses a serious threat to marine navigation and international peace and security," it added.

Moreover, it warned that the "Houthis’ terrorist acts by proxy will only deepen the humanitarian crisis endured by the Yemeni people and compound economic burdens."

It warned that such Houthi attacks will "serve the interests of foreign powers, including transforming the regional waters into an arena for conflict," adding that it would also serve Israel’s expansionist ambitions and embolden armed groups in the region.

The government stressed that the Houthi attacks are a "natural result of the international community’s failure in deterring these militias that have for years carried out dozens of attacks at sea against cargo vessels, oil installations, national interests and civilian areas in neighboring countries."

It called on the countries that overlook the Red Sea to act immediately to confront "Iranian meddling with the security of the region and the freedom of international navigation in one of the world’s most important trade routes."

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Arab World

Iraq’s Coordination Framework Faces Deep Internal Disputes

An Iraqi soldier walks past a sign that reads "Ramadan Kareem" in the Karrada district of the capital Baghdad on March 5, 2025, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP)
An Iraqi soldier walks past a sign that reads "Ramadan Kareem" in the Karrada district of the capital Baghdad on March 5, 2025, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP)
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Iraq’s Coordination Framework Faces Deep Internal Disputes

An Iraqi soldier walks past a sign that reads "Ramadan Kareem" in the Karrada district of the capital Baghdad on March 5, 2025, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP)
An Iraqi soldier walks past a sign that reads "Ramadan Kareem" in the Karrada district of the capital Baghdad on March 5, 2025, during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. (AFP)

Iraq’s ruling pro-Iran Coordination Framework is facing deep internal disputes as the country braces for the policies of the new American administration and prepares to hold parliamentary elections this year.

A leading member of the alliance said the tense discussions about possible pressure and sanctions from the United States is causing “confusion” between the ruling parties.

Moreover, the competition between them ahead of the elections will affect the future of the alliance and whether it will remain united, he told Asharq Al-Awsat on condition of anonymity.

The “most dangerous thing” that is happening is attempting to hold the Framework responsible for whatever challenges are in store, especially should the US administration under President Donald Trump impose sanctions, he added.

He explained that the forces and groups that are “very close to Iran are aware that the pressure will be focused on them. The leaders of the Framework are aware that the external threat they are facing should not be used as a weapon during the elections.”

Iraqi officials have for two months speculated, without evidence, that the US may possibly impose sanctions this year on banks or political groups or leaders.

Armed factions

Another issue the Shiite forces are grappling with is reaching an agreement over the armed factions.

Sunni politician Mashaan al-Juburi said Iraq needs to merge the factions and pro-Iran Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in the state security forces.

Government officials, including Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, have confirmed that “negotiations are underway over the fate of the factions. As a government agency operating within the state, there is no need to dismantle the PMF.”

Political sources revealed that “after weeks of silence, the armed factions have gone back on their plans to comply with government demands to dissolve and lay down their arms, because they have not heard any word from Washington about the fate of pro-Iran Shiite groups.”

Meanwhile, aide to the prime minister Fadi al-Shammari said in televised remarks that dialogue is ongoing with the armed factions to lay down their weapons.

He hoped the negotiations would “end well.”

The sources said the discrepancy in statements by the Framework reflects their “confusion and hesitation in taking any step or political initiative” towards resolving disputes.

Kadhimi and Sadr’s return

Former Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi's return to Iraq last week after a nearly two-year absence has added another layer to the complicated scene in the country.

In a television interview, he slammed current PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, saying several of the current projects in the country were part of an emergency plan drafted by his former government. His remarks sparked fierce criticism by figures close to Sudani.

Prior to Kadhimi’s return, former PM Ayad Allawi announced the formation of a new alliance that will take part in the elections.

Iraqi media noted that preparations for the elections kicked off early this year with the polls usually held in October.

Kadhimi, for his part, is planning on joining the race with liberal Shiite figures.

Meanwhile, influential Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has signaled his return to politics. He had suspended his involvement in political life in June 2022, vowing not to take part in any future elections to avoid partnering with “corrupt” figures.

In late February, he called on his supporters to update their electoral details, in a sign that he may resume political life.

Local media noted that his return to politics is taking place a time when “Iran’s influence in the country is waning.”

Iraqi authorities have yet to schedule the date of the elections as another dispute, this time over amending the electoral law, appears to be looming on the horizon.