Map Shows Iran Spy Ship as Possible US Target

National security adviser Mike Waltz said that the United States is prepared to expand its military campaign in Yemen by targeting Iranian ships aiding the Houthis rebel group.

“We will hold not only the Houthis accountable, but we’re going to hold Iran, their backers, accountable as well,” Waltz stated, warning that Iranian intelligence and military assets supporting Houthi attacks could become U.S. targets.

Newsweek reached out to Waltz and Iran’s Foreign Ministry for comment.

Why It Matters

Expanding U.S. military action to Iranian vessels and personnel marks a significant escalation in an already volatile conflict. The Houthis have launched repeated attacks on shipping routes, forcing global commerce to divert away from the Red Sea.

U.S. officials argue that Iran’s involvement in aiding Houthi forces is a direct threat to international trade and security. Iran denies supporting the Houthis, saying the group operates independently.

What To Know

Waltz, speaking on ABC’s This Week, outlined potential targets, which include Iranian ships near Yemen that provide intelligence to the Houthis, Iranian military trainers, and other logistic support. He emphasized that the U.S. military campaign will not be confined to Houthi forces alone.

“If that means they’re targeting ships that they have put in to—to help their Iranian trainers, IRGC and others, that intelligence, other things that they have put in to help the Houthis attack the global economy, those targets will be on the table, too,” Waltz said.

The map below shows the Behshad, a U.S.-sanctioned Iranian vessel linked to the Houthis, in relation to the Truman Carrier Strike Group. It highlights Behshad‘s location as of the time of publication.

Strikes on Yemen

Waltz’s comments follow U.S. airstrikes on Yemen, ordered by President Donald Trump, which killed at least 31 people, according to Houthi-affiliated media. Waltz said the strikes took out multiple Houthi leaders and served as a direct warning to both the Houthis and Iran.

Iran’s Spy Ships

The U.S. has long accused Iran of assisting Houthi rebels in their maritime operations, particularly through the Saviz and its successor, the Behshad. Both vessels have been linked to intelligence gathering and logistical support for the Houthis.

Last year, Iran warned against any U.S. action targeting the Behshad, with its United Nations representative issuing a direct caution to Washington.

What People Are Saying

U.S. national security adviser Mike Waltz: “We will hold not only the Houthis accountable but also their Iranian backers.”

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander Major General Hossein Salami, per Iranian state media IRNA: The Houthi “resistance movement makes its decisions independently.”

What Happens Next

The Trump administration has made clear that Iran’s involvement in Yemen will not go unchallenged. With U.S. officials signaling potential military action against Iranian ships and assets, tensions in the region are set to escalate further.