Reuters learned of Russia's secret negotiations on sending missiles to Yemen's Houthis

Russia, through the mediation of Iran, is conducting secret negotiations on the transfer of P-800 Yakhont anti-ship missiles to Yemen's Houthi rebels, Reuters reports . Representatives of the parties have met in Tehran at least twice this year, with more meetings planned in the coming weeks. According to sources, Russia has not yet made a final decision on the supply of dozens of missiles.

US officials said they see a connection between these negotiations and discussions about lifting the ban on Ukraine striking Western weapons deep into Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned in June that Moscow could send advanced long-range weapons - similar to what the US and its allies are supplying Ukraine - to Western enemies around the world, Reuters noted.

Since October 7, the Houthis have repeatedly attacked ships in the Red Sea in a show of support for the Palestinians in the war with Israel in Gaza. They sank at least two ships and captured another, disrupting global maritime trade and forcing shipping companies to divert cargo, driving up insurance costs for ships passing through the Red Sea.

The P-800 Yakhont is considered one of the most advanced anti-ship missiles in the world; it is capable of flying at low altitude above the sea surface at a speed more than twice the speed of sound, which makes it very difficult to detect and intercept. The missiles will allow the rebels to carry out more precise strikes on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and increase the threat to American and European warships.