Washington’s ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield has warned that no countries’ vessels were immune to the threat posed by Houthi rebels to shipping in the Red Sea, AFP reports.

“Whether your ship flies an American flag, or the flag of another nation… all of our ships are vulnerable,” she said.

“Without Iranian support, in violation of their obligations… the Houthis would struggle to effectively track and strike commercial vessels, navigating shipping lanes through the Red Sea.”

Britain’s ambassador to the UN Barbara Woodward said London “took limited, necessary and proportionate action in self-defence.” “This operation took particular care to minimize risks to civilians,” she said.