Iran's Alborz warship has made its way into the Red Sea, as reported by the Tasnim news agency. This comes during a period of heightened tensions along the crucial shipping route, coinciding with the Israel-Hamas conflict and attacks on ships linked to Tehran.

While Tasnim didn't provide specific details about the Alborz's mission, it mentioned that Iranian warships have been present in these waters since 2009. They aim to secure shipping routes, combat piracy, and perform other duties.

The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen have been targeting vessels in the Red Sea since November. Their actions are in support of the Palestinian group Hamas in their conflict with Israel. As a result, many major shipping companies have opted for the longer and more expensive route around Africa's Cape of Good Hope, avoiding the Suez Canal, which handles approximately 12% of global trade.

The Alborz warship entered the Red Sea through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, as per Tasnim's report, although the exact timing was not disclosed. Unconfirmed reports on social media suggest its arrival late on Saturday.

Belonging to the Iranian navy's 34th fleet and accompanied by the Bushehr support vessel, the Alvand class destroyer has patrolled the Gulf of Aden, the northern Indian Ocean, and the Bab Al-Mandab Strait since 2015, as reported by Iran's Press TV.

The US Fifth Fleet refrained from commenting on the Iranian vessel's movements, stating that it couldn't speak for the Iranian Navy or confirm the reports.

Recent attacks by Houthi militants on a Maersk container vessel led the company to suspend all Red Sea sailings for 48 hours. In response, Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, Iran's Defense Minister, emphasized Iran's influence in the region, stating that no one could act without Iran's presence.

Meanwhile, discussions have been ongoing for peace talks. Ali Akbar Ahmadian, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, met with Houthi group spokesman Mohammad Abdul-Salam in Tehran. They discussed mutual concerns and regional issues, while Ahmadian commended the recent Houthi activities in the Red Sea.

 Ali Asghar Khaji, senior advisor for special political affairs to Iran's foreign minister,  also met with Houthi chief negotiator Mohammad Abdul Salam. Both parties highlighted the necessity of finding a political solution to the Yemen crisis during their discussions, as reported by the State Media.

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