While Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian calls for peace at the United Nations, a completely different story is being told behind closed doors.

Iran is allegedly facilitating negotiations between Houthi rebels and Russia for the acquisition of advanced anti-ship missiles. The P-800 Oniks missile system is considered significantly more capable than the anti-ship weapons currently in the Houthis’ arsenal. With a range of approximately 186 miles and speeds reaching up to 1,677 miles per hour, these missiles could pose a greater threat to vessels in the Red Sea.

“Russia is negotiating with the Houthis for the transfer of Yakhont supersonic anti-ship missiles,” a Western intelligence source tells Reuters. “The Iranians are brokering the talks but do not want to have their signature over it.”

Under Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s directive, Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes have become a regular occurrence since October 7. Between November and June, the Pentagon reported over 190 incidents where Houthis attacked or threatened US Navy and other vessels.

One reason Russian President Vladimir Putin might consider arming the Houthis is the possibility that Ukraine may soon be able to strike deeper into Russian territory. In June, he warned that if NATO continues to supply Ukraine with advanced long-range weapons, Moscow will send similar weapons to the West’s enemies.

Russia has not yet decided whether to proceed with the transfer yet, though talks are reportedly still ongoing,