Joe Biden is drawing up plans to launch military strikes against Houthi sites in Yemen following a number of rebel attacks in the Red Sea.
Chiefs are believed to be preparing to intervene against the Iran-backed group after several-Israel linked ships were struck.
Shipping delay concerns continue to grow after BP paused operations through the Red Sea.
More attacks are expected in the world’s busiest shipping lanes as Houthis vow to continue their missile and drone attacks in sympathy with the Palestinian people.
Chiefs are believed to be preparing to intervene against the Iran-backed group after several-Israel linked ships were struck
ReutersA US-led coalition of 10 countries have confirmed that they would send several warships to the region.
Britain has joined the US’s Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect cargo ships.
It comes after the British oil giant said the suspension comes amid a “deteriorating security situation” with tensions in the Middle East.
The Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier has been moved to the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Yemen where the crisis has been taking place.
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But a senior official told Iranian TV that the Houthis will respond against any country that strikes Yemen directly.
"We take the threat from the Houthis very seriously, but we’re not going to telegraph any movements in advance," a US defence official told The Telegraph.
"US forces have the inherent right to self-defence, and if we do decide to take any action against the Houthis then we will do so at a time and place of our choosing."
Biden has been urged to carry out a military strike by former Pentagon officials including Gen Kenneth F McKenzie Jr.
Houthi fighter stands on the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red SeaREUTERSOn Tuesday White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said “attacks on ships in the Red Sea have to stop”.
Kirby said: “Both countries are significant partners with the United States on a range of issues across the region… they should speak to their level of participation.”
If the US chose to launch military action against the Houthis, it is assumed that they would target missile and drone launch sites in territory that the Iran-backed group holds in northern Yemen.
