Yemen Conflict Escalates as Houthi Rebels Target US Allies and Shipping Waterways

The conflict in Yemen has escalated as Iran-backed Houthi rebels launch attacks on US allies and key shipping waterways, raising concerns of a wider war.

The Houthis, who entered the war in March after Israel and the US attacked Iran, have been firing missiles at Israel and striking Saudi Arabia, despite a four-year de facto ceasefire. The group has also imposed a blockade on Saudi shipping in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, reducing oil exports to half of their pre-war levels.

Danny Citrinowicz, former head of the Iran branch of Israeli military intelligence, said that the Houthis have crossed a key threshold and are no longer willing to return to a status quo in which Saudi Arabia can impose or support a maritime and land blockade without facing retaliation. He added that the group appears to follow Iran's leadership logic, thinking that time and strategic asymmetry work in their favor.

Riyadh is bracing for multiple coordinated attacks by Iraqi militias and Houthi forces, with a Saudi official citing 'multiple intelligence reports' from regional countries indicating some militia members are planning to attack the kingdom. The official expressed alarm, saying that the reports came as Saudi Arabia was pursuing de-escalation and negotiations involving Iran appeared to be heading in the right direction.