Iranian Convoy Heading Home - UPDATE

A nine-ship Iranian convoy of seven freighters and two IRGCN warships suspected of carrying arms to the Huthis in Yemen today reversed course and now is heading northeast in the Arabian Sea in the direction of home. The convoy had dropped anchor near Yemeni border with Oman in the Arabian Sea. (AP/Fox, 23 April) 

The Pentagon officials welcomed the reversal, Fox News reported today.

The move by Iran avoids showdown with U.S. Navy in the Arabian Sea and is also a possible quid pro quo for Saudi halt in major air campaign.

File photo: Aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. The carrier arrived in the Arabian Sea on Monday. U.S. ships and jet fighters were closely monitoring the movements of the Iranian convoy. (Photo: Reuters)

UPDATE (Friday 24 April): U.S. aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt and its strike group are also heading back to the Persian Gulf after the Iranian convoy reversed course on Thursday and headed home. Them moves indicate that a potential stand off between the two navies has been averted. 

Convoy of Iranian Ships Parked in Arabian Sea

The convoy of Iranian ships suspected of carrying arms for the Huthis in Yemen was reported parked south-southeast of the Yemeni border with Oman in the north Arabian Sea, NBC quoted U.S. officials as saying on Wednesday morning. Saudi and Egyptian warships were positioned to the southwest of the convoy, forming a blockade of the Gulf of Aden and the port city of Aden.

U.S. aircraft carrier the USS Theodore Roosevelt and the guided missile cruiser Normandy arrived in the Arabian Sea on Monday to join six other U.S. ships in the area. They could also intercept any ships carrying arms to Yemen.

The intentions and the ultimate destination of the Iranian convoy, comprised of seven vessels including freighters and small IRGCN warships, were not known. Two Iranian Navy ships, the frigate Alborz and replenishment ship Bushehr were also in the area.

File photo: Aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (Reuters)