Iran facilitates secret talks between Russia and Houthis on missile transfers

Reuters reported the information, citing its own sources.

The outlet noted that Russia has yet to decide to transfer Yakhont missiles, known as P-800 Onyks, which, according to experts, will allow the Houthis to more accurately target commercial vessels in the Red Sea and increase the threat to the United States and Europe.

According to sources, representatives of the militants and Russia met in Tehran at least twice in 2024. Meanwhile, negotiations on the supply of dozens of missiles with a range of about 300 km are ongoing, and new meetings in Tehran are expected in the coming weeks.

One source said that the talks began under Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May 2024. 

"Russia is negotiating with the Houthis for the transfer of Yakhont supersonic anti-ship missiles.The Iranians are brokering the talks but do not want to have their signature over it," said a Western intelligence source.

• U.S. intelligence suggests that Russia may have sent its military to Yemen, where they are advising the Houthis on how to fire on ships in the Red Sea.