Yemen's Houthi group has consented to allow tugboats and rescue ships access to a damaged crude oil tanker in the Red Sea, as stated by Iran’s UN mission following attacks on last week by their militants against this Greek-flagged vessel carrying 150,000 tonnes of oil. The situation presents an environmental risk that could lead to one of the largest spills recorded if not addressed promptly according shipping officials' statements.
"Multiple countries have sought a temporary pause in hostilities for these vessels’ entry into the affected area,” Iranian representatives at UN headquarters announced, emphasizing considerations based on humanitarian and environmental concerns linked to this incident. However, Mohammed Abdulsalam from Houthi spokesperson denied any planned truce but confirmed their agreement post multiple international contacts about aid delivery for salvaging the tanker Sounion after receiving assurances regarding safe passage without target threats according recent reports by Reuters and Pentagon's statements.
The US Department of Defense disclosed earlier that a third entity attempted to send tugs, but they faced opposition from Houthis who threatened attacks in case the assistance was rendered. In their public statement today at UN headquarters Iran’s mission accused specific countries for not providing required help and claimed this negligence as reasons behind possible oil spill fears rather than targeting concerns.
Furthermore, reports indicate that EU's Red Sea Monitor (Aspides) confirmed no recent evidence of an oil leak near the Greek vessel despite ongoing fires visible in satellite imagery indicating potential leaks and continuation of damage to Sounion as previously reported by Pentagon yesterday evening. Accordingly, Aspides also stated this tanker remains moored without drifting away from its position following these attacks initiated last November amid solidarity gestures with Palestinian conflict involving Israel’s militants Hamas in the Gaza Strip according to local news outlets.
The Pentagon has reported that fire continues within Sounion located deep inside Red Sea and potential oil leaks, prompting urgent calls for immediate rescue measures from international actors involved while Yemeni Houthis control large populated regions of this impoverished nation caught amidst global geopolitical tensions.
Read next
Over 1 million people gather in Madrid for outdoor mass with Pope Leo
Over one million people gathered in Madrid for an open-air mass led by Pope Leo. During the service, the American pontiff highlighted the contradiction between Christian principles and far-right ideology, stating, “No one can kneel before the Lord and despise their brother.”
Crowds began forming hours before dawn on Sunday
Xi Jinping visits Pyongyang to strengthen China-North Korea relations
Xi Jinping has begun a two-day visit to North Korea, marking his first trip to the country in nearly seven years as he seeks to strengthen relations with the ally.
Footage from the Xinhua state news agency showed the Chinese leader and his wife, Peng Liyuan, arriving at Sunan international
Denmark's mullet championship celebrates the 'beautifully ugly' and divisive hairstyle
Copenhagen recently hosted the 2026 Mullet Championship, where more than 1,000 spectators gathered on an outdoor stage to celebrate the enduring hairstyle characterized by short hair in the front and length in the back.
Twelve participants competed in the event, which was organized by 37-year-old electrician Steffen Stiw Weber.