"EU Approves Red Sea Mission to Deter Houthis"

European Union member states have given initial backing to a naval mission to protect ships from attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militia in the Red Sea, aiming to establish it by Feb. 19 at the latest and make it operational soon afterwards. The mission, which would coordinate with the U.S.-led operation in the region, aims to deter Houthi attacks and safeguard the crucial trade route. However, there are concerns about command and control, rules of engagement, and coordination with other EU missions, highlighting divisions in the West over how to deal with the Iranian-aligned Houthis.