Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree speaks at a rally against the United States and Israel in Sanaa, Yemen, on Friday, April 18, 2025 [Osamah Abdulrahman/AP Photo]
| Published June 23, 2025
Houthis agreed deal with US last month, but may resume attacks if US strikes Iran.
How Yemen’s Houthis are exploring support for Iran against Israel:
🛡️ 1. Coordination with Iran & Timing of Attacks
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Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree and pro-Houthi commentators confirm ongoing coordination with Tehran. They say Houthi missile strikes are being timed to coincide with Iranian military actions against Israel, aiming to amplify pressure on Israeli defenses.
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For instance, missile launches at Jaffa followed Iranian missile barrages, intended to disrupt Israeli civilians and military alike.
🎯 2. Strategic Goals & Regional Solidarity
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The Houthis publicly frame their involvement as support for both “Palestinian and Iranian peoples”.
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This marks a clear shift from their prior focus on Gaza/Saudi opposition to a broader “Axis of Resistance” commitment against Israel and the U.S.
⚠️ 3. Resuming Attacks After Ceasefire
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After reaching a ceasefire with the U.S. in early May 2025, the Houthis agreed to pause Red Sea attacks.
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Now they’ve indicated a willingness to resume strikes—on Israeli targets or U.S./Israeli ships—if the U.S. enters the Iran-Israel conflict.
🌊 4. Threats to Shipping & Maritime Influence
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The Houthis have issued stark warnings to U.S. and Israeli vessels in the Red Sea and Bab al‑Mandab Strait—core arteries for global trade—should they support Israel.
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This marks a significant escalation: they are prepared to enforce a maritime blockade on behalf of Iran.
🟩 Opportunities
1. Regional Prestige and Alignment
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Supporting Iran positions the Houthis as a key player in the “Axis of Resistance,” strengthening ties with Tehran and other anti-Israel factions.
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It raises their profile beyond Yemen, giving them regional leverage.
2. Leverage in Negotiations
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By threatening or launching attacks, the Houthis may gain bargaining power in talks with the U.S., Saudi Arabia, or the UN regarding Yemen’s political future.
3. Disrupting Enemy Supply Chains
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Targeting Red Sea shipping lanes could economically pressure Israel and its allies while disrupting Western naval movement.
🟥 Challenges
1. Risk of Direct U.S./Israeli Retaliation
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Any escalation could trigger heavy airstrikes on Houthi bases, ports, and missile stockpiles, potentially degrading their military capabilities.
2. Domestic Vulnerability
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Diverting resources to fight Israel or support Iran could weaken their grip in Yemen, where internal rivalries and humanitarian crises persist.
3. Global Backlash
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Repeated attacks on international shipping may provoke global condemnation and further sanctions, reducing international support or aid.
Bottom Line:
The Houthis’ move to align more overtly with Iran against Israel signals a bold strategic shift with far-reaching implications. While it offers them greater regional influence and ideological solidarity, it also exposes them to intensified military and political risks. As the conflict expands, the Houthis must navigate a precarious balance between asserting power on the international stage and preserving their standing at home. Whether this gamble strengthens their hand or backfires will depend on how deeply the U.S. and Israel respond—and how tightly they coordinate with Iran.
SOURCES: TEHRAN TIMES – Yemen says it is entering the war following US strikes on Iran
MEHR NEWS AGENCY – Yemen says it will officially enter war with the US, Israel
AL JAZEERA – Yemen’s Houthis mull how they can help ally Iran against Israel
