Houthis Become Iran's Last Gaming Card
The Houthis have become Iran's primary proxy in its campaign to exert pressure on the US and its regional partners. The group is currently attempting to exploit its control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which controls access to the Suez Canal.
In response to a US-Israeli attack, Iran launched missiles and armed drones against Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States in February 2026. Iranian strikes were reported to have hit energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, including igniting a fire at the Ras Tanura oil refinery.
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. The Houthis reportedly began positioning missiles and drones near the strait while awaiting further authorization.