The Office of the US Special Envoy for Iran has condemned Tehran’s backing of Houthi rebels, with a commitment from Washington to ensure freedom of navigation.

Abram Paley, the US Deputy Special Envoy to Iran, made the statements following the interception by US Navy of a small vessel transporting advanced lethal aid from Iran to resupply Houthi forces in Yemen on Tuesday.

Despite Iran's official denial of supporting the Houthis, Paley underscored their attempt to provide resupplies, a direct violation of UNSCR 2216 and international law.

Quoting CENTCOM General Kurilla, Paley characterized the incident as another example of Iran actively fostering instability in the region. He expressed the United States' dedication to working with allies and partners to expose and thwart Iran's activities, ensuring freedom of navigation in the affected regions.

Since mid-November, Houthi rebels have made dozens of attacks on commercial vessels in a bid to force Israel into a ceasefire amidst its war on Hamas in Gaza.

This has resulted in the closure of a vital maritime route, causing disruptions to the global flow of goods. The initiation of the attacks coincided with a call from Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, urging the blockade of Israel.