Eritrea: Iran’s Proxy and a Strategic Threat to Israel and the U.S.
Eritrea’s alliance with Iran represents a strategic concern for Israel and the United States. Despite having the potential to stabilize Yemen, Eritrea leans toward Tehran while neglecting sovereignty infringements like the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Recent actions, including the detainment of Azerbaijani ships, signal Eritrea’s deepening ties with Iran at the expense of regional stability.
Eritrea’s strategic alignment with Iran has significant implications for regional stability, particularly in the context of Yemen. Despite possessing the means to stabilize Yemen, Eritrea’s unfavorable regime maintains its allegiance to Tehran. This relationship is evidenced by the recent Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, which have gone unaddressed by Eritrean authorities, thereby infringing upon national sovereignty.
On November 7, 2024, Eritrean authorities engaged in another provocative action by detaining three Azerbaijani vessels and their crews. These ships were compelled to enter Eritrean waters due to adverse weather while navigating from the Suez Canal to Abu Dhabi. This incident further underscores Eritrea’s increasing subservience to Iranian interests, as it seems to impede Azerbaijan, an ally of Israel.
The relationship between Eritrea and Iran has evolved into a concerning proxy alliance, with Eritrea serving as a potential threat to both Israel and the United States. The Eritrean regime, widely criticized for its oppressive governance, relies on support from Iran, thereby complicating efforts for stabilization in the turbulent region surrounding Yemen. Iran’s influence over Eritrea manifests through indirect actions that unsettle the strategic equilibrium in the Red Sea, impacting key nations in the area.
In essence, Eritrea, under its current regime, has solidified its role as an Iranian proxy, consequently posing a strategic threat to Israel and the United States. The recent incidents, including the detention of Azerbaijani ships, illustrate the potential risks associated with this alignment. Continued vigilance is essential to mitigate the implications of Eritrea’s actions in supporting Iranian interests and disregarding regional allies.
Original Source: www.haaretz.com
