Houthis Advance in Yemen as Iran Expands Its Influence Across the Middle East
Iran has been waging a multi-front campaign against its adversaries in the Middle East, using proxies and drones to weaken its enemies. The Houthi forces, backed by Iran, have made significant gains in Yemen, capturing key positions around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and pushing towards Aden.
Saudi Arabia has called on the US to intervene, but so far, no military action has been taken. Instead, Saudi Arabia has chosen not to retaliate militarily, instead asking Iraq to take measures to prevent attacks from its territory. The drone attack on the East-West oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia sparked a fire and forced operations to suspend.
Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi responded by dismissing the governor of the Iraqi province where the drones were reportedly launched. Al-Zaidi, who has been accused by his opponents of involvement in Iranian money-laundering operations, heads a country with significant influence from pro-Iranian Shia political parties and armed militias.
The Houthis' advance is part of a broader campaign by Iran's 'Axis of Resistance', which also includes Lebanon's Hezbollah. The coalition has been expanding its influence across the Middle East against US allies such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.