Russia, Iran Mulling P-800 Oniks Transfer to Houthis – Reuters

Allegedly, Russia and Iran are in talks about potentially transferring Russian P-800 Oniks supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles to the Houthis, as per a report by Reuters. The news, shared by Globe Eye News on Twitter, has stirred up concerns and discussions worldwide about the implications of such a transfer.

The P-800 Oniks missile is known for its high speed and precision, making it a formidable weapon in naval warfare. If the transfer were to take place, it could significantly shift the balance of power in the ongoing conflict in Yemen, where the Houthis have been fighting against a Saudi-led coalition since 2015.

The Houthis, officially known as Ansar Allah, are a rebel group that took control of the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, in 2014 and have been fighting against the Yemeni government and its allies ever since. The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis in the country, with millions of people facing starvation and disease.

The involvement of Russia and Iran in supporting the Houthis is not new. Both countries have been accused of providing military and financial support to the rebel group, in defiance of a UN arms embargo. The potential transfer of advanced missile technology like the P-800 Oniks would only escalate the situation further and could potentially lead to a wider regional conflict.

The news of the possible missile transfer has raised concerns among Western powers, particularly the United States, which has been backing the Saudi-led coalition in its fight against the Houthis. The US has called on Russia and Iran to refrain from any actions that could escalate the conflict and has warned of consequences if the transfer were to go through.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation and is calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen. The United Nations has been working to broker a ceasefire and a political solution to the conflict, but progress has been slow due to the complex nature of the conflict and the involvement of multiple actors with competing interests.

The potential transfer of the P-800 Oniks missiles to the Houthis is just the latest development in a long and bloody conflict that has already claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions of people. The international community must work together to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict and prevent any further escalation that could have devastating consequences for the people of Yemen and the region as a whole.

In conclusion, the news of Russia and Iran discussing the transfer of P-800 Oniks missiles to the Houthis is a cause for concern and highlights the complex and volatile nature of the conflict in Yemen. The international community must act swiftly to prevent any further escalation and work towards a peaceful resolution that addresses the root causes of the conflict and ensures the safety and security of the people of Yemen.

Russia and Iran are discussing the possibility of transferring Russian P-800 Oniks supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles to Houthis, Reuters reports. pic.twitter.com/MFOd9tDYMW

— Globe Eye News (@GlobeEyeNews) September 28, 2024

When it comes to international relations and the transfer of military equipment, there are always complex dynamics at play. The recent news of Russia and Iran discussing the possibility of transferring Russian P-800 Oniks supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles to the Houthis is indeed a significant development that has raised eyebrows around the world. In this article, we will delve deeper into this issue and explore the various implications and consequences of such a potential transfer. So, let’s break it down step by step:

What are the Russian P-800 Oniks supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles?

The Russian P-800 Oniks missile, also known by its NATO reporting name SS-N-26 Strobile, is a supersonic anti-ship cruise missile developed by Russia. It is designed to be launched from surface ships, submarines, and coastal defense batteries. The missile is known for its high speed and maneuverability, making it a potent threat to enemy naval vessels.

Why are Russia and Iran discussing the transfer of these missiles to the Houthis?

The discussions between Russia and Iran regarding the transfer of P-800 Oniks missiles to the Houthis are likely driven by strategic considerations. The Houthis, who are fighting a protracted conflict in Yemen, have been known to target Saudi Arabian and UAE naval vessels in the Red Sea using missiles and drones. By arming the Houthis with advanced anti-ship missiles, Russia and Iran could potentially escalate the conflict and increase pressure on their regional rivals.

What are the implications of such a transfer?

The transfer of P-800 Oniks missiles to the Houthis would have far-reaching implications for the security landscape in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia and the UAE, both of whom are actively involved in the conflict in Yemen, would see this move as a direct threat to their maritime interests. It could lead to an escalation in hostilities and potentially draw other regional powers into the conflict.

How would other countries react to this transfer?

The transfer of advanced military equipment to non-state actors like the Houthis is a violation of international norms and could draw condemnation from the international community. Countries like the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, who are allies of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, would likely express their concern and call for a halt to the transfer of such weapons.

In conclusion, the potential transfer of Russian P-800 Oniks missiles to the Houthis is a development that has the potential to further destabilize an already volatile region. It underscores the complex web of alliances and rivalries that define the Middle East and highlights the need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen.

Sources:
– [Reuters: Russia and Iran discuss transfer of P-800 Oniks missiles to Houthis](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/russia-iran-discuss-transfer-russian-missiles-houthis-reuters-2024-09-28/)