Iran is pressing Houthis to prepare potential attacks on Red Sea shipping if the US escalates its war against Tehran, according to European officials. The group is weighing more aggressive action but remains divided on escalation and has so far avoided targeting vessels. Officials said the longer the conflict continues, the more likely attacks become, threatening a key trade route already strained by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and risking further disruption to global energy ma

Iran is pressing Houthis to prepare potential attacks on Red Sea shipping if the US escalates its war against Tehran, according to European officials. The group is weighing more aggressive action but remains divided on escalation and has so far avoided targeting vessels. Officials said the longer the conflict continues, the more likely attacks become, threatening a key trade route already strained by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and risking further disruption to global energy markets.