The MV Behshad, a cargo ship suspected by U.S. analysts and officials of providing intelligence support to Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, is returning to Iran after nearly three years at sea. This development is noteworthy as it occurs amid escalating tensions following Iran’s retaliatory attack on Israel, prompting speculation about potential Israeli strikes on high-profile Iranian targets like the Behshad.
Iran has previously issued warnings against targeting this vessel. A senior Iranian commander emphasized on Thursday the possibility of revising Iran’s nuclear policy in response to threats against its nuclear facilities. Ahmad Haghtalab, an IRGC commander, stated on the Tasnim news agency, “If Israel wants to use the threat of attacking nuclear centers to put pressure on Iran, it is likely that the nuclear doctrine and policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran will be reviewed and the considerations announced previously will be canceled.”
Vessel’s Movement and Activities
The Behshad crossed from the Arabian Gulf into the Persian Gulf early Thursday morning, destined for Bandar Abbas on Iran’s southern coast, as reported by MarineTraffic.com. The vessel had been stationary in strategic maritime locations such as the Bab al-Mandeb strait and the Gulf of Aden since June 2021, interacting closely with zones of military tension and alleged attacks on commercial shipping.
NBC News noted the Behshad’s presence in proximity to numerous maritime incidents involving Houthi rebels and commercial vessels, contributing to significant disruptions in global shipping routes. During February, the ship was docked off the coast of a Chinese military base in Djibouti, disappearing from tracking websites in March, only to reappear near Iran in early April.
Expanded Coverage:
