Are the Houthis Iran’s last gaming card? – opinion
Iran increasingly relies on the Houthis as its principal remaining proxy after Hamas and Hezbollah weakened. The Houthis exploit control of Bab al-Mandab Strait, complementing Iran's Hormuz campaign. On February 28, 2026, Iran struck Saudi Arabia and Gulf states, hitting energy facilities. On July 16, Reuters reported Iran instructed Houthis to prepare to close the strait if US struck Iran's infrastructure. On July 20, Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree announced a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia. Saudi-led coalition struck Houthi targets in response. The article analyzes the Iran-Saudi rivalry on the Houthi front and the partnership's potential disintegration.
Iran is increasingly relying on the Houthis as its principal remaining proxy capable of exerting sustained military and economic pressure on the US and its regional partners, following the substantial weakening of Hamas and Hezbollah. The Houthis are attempting to exploit their control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, complementing Iran's campaign in the Strait of Hormuz. On February 28, 2026, in response to a US-Israel attack, Iran launched missiles and armed drones against Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States, reportedly hitting energy facilities including the Ras Tanura oil refinery and targeting Prince Sultan Air Base. On July 16, Reuters reported that Iran had instructed the Houthis to prepare to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait if the US struck Iran's power grid or energy infrastructure. Four days later, on July 20, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree announced a maritime embargo against the 'criminal Saudi enemy' as an 'eye for an eye' measure. The Saudi-led coalition struck Houthi targets in response. The article argues that Iran-Saudi rivalry is being fought out mainly on the Houthis' front, and that the Houthis are killing two birds with one stone by attacking Saudi Arabia, both supporting Iran and striking at the ally of their main opponent in Yemen's civil war. The partnership could disintegrate if Iran collapses or if UN peace efforts succeed.