The Islamic Republic of Iran has reportedly committed its naval forces to the Yemeni waters and has stated that, this move is primarily to put a curb on the Somali pirates. However, experts have been concerned about the recent increased naval activity from Iran in Yemen, as such a move could inadvertently raise the possibilities of a naval forces clash the Iranian navy and that of Saudi Arabia, who have been at the crossroads in the Gulf and Red Sea regions.

The Iranian naval movement is near the region of the Saudi naval blockade that has been initiated to stem the flow of weapons and supplies to the Shiite rebels, that have been in intense battle with the Saudi forces. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly accused Iran of supplying the rebel forces in Yemen with weapons and other valuable that the rebels require to continue their assault.

Even Yemen has been on the side of Saudi Arabia, when it comes to denouncing Iran’s latest naval maneuvers. The government of Yemen has stated that, Iran is the force behind the Zaidi Shiite rebels, who in the recent months have been conducting offensive operations against the Yemeni government in Saada province, that borders with Saudi Arabia.

Recently, after the rebels killed a Saudi officer, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia initiated operations against the Zaidi rebels with ground troops and precision air strikes against rebel positions and strongholds. The incursion of Saudi forces into Yemeni territory has been given the go ahead even by the government of Yemen, that has been battling the rising insurgency with little effect.

Via Space War.