Iran's Proxy Forces Unite Against US Allies in Gulf

The relationship between Iran and its proxies in the region has intensified as they plan to target US allies in the Gulf. Regional officials have confirmed that Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, along with Yemen's Houthi rebels, coordinated a drone attack on Saudi oil facilities last July.

This level of coordination was not seen before, indicating a new strategy by Iran to drive up costs for the ongoing war between the US and Israel, which started in February. The Houthis have been receiving military training from Iranian-backed groups in Iraq.

A Houthi leader mentioned a joint operations room during the Gaza war, and regional officials say this has opened up new avenues for cooperation with Iraqi militias. Now, they are 'squeezing Saudi like with pliers,' said Ahmed Nagi, senior Yemen analyst at the Crisis Group.

The Houthis have also launched attacks on Saudi oil facilities in the Red Sea, forcing Saudi Arabia to adopt a 'dark' transit policy for its tankers.