Iran's Proxies Forge New Ring to Threaten US Allies in Gulf

A new ring of Iran-backed proxies is being forged to threaten US allies in the Gulf, according to regional officials. This strategy aims to drive up the costs of the war launched by the U.S. and Israel in February.

The Houthis helped Iraqi militias plan and execute a drone attack on Saudi oil facilities, showing a new level of coordination between the two groups. The US and Saudi Arabia responded with joint airstrikes that killed at least 20 Iraqi fighters and six Iranian advisers.

The Houthi blockade against Saudi shipping in the Red Sea has ramped up pressure on the kingdom, threatening another critical trade route. The Houthis have carried out over a dozen attacks against Saudi oil facilities and tankers since late July, forcing Saudi Arabia to adopt a 'dark' transit policy that includes turning off tracking signals.

Saudi oil exports are in the crosshairs as the Houthis show they can target routes north of the Red Sea. The rebels have an array of advanced weaponry, including cruise and ballistic missiles, drones, and unmanned submarines.