Houthi Forces Enter Iran Conflict with Missile Strikes, Escalating Regional War
Houthi supporters in the Yemeni capital of Sana’a have rallied in solidarity with Iran, as Houthi forces officially entered the conflict with missile attacks on Israeli military sites. This escalation represents a dangerous spread of the war and brings the threat of even more damage to the global economy.
Missile Attacks and Regional Diplomacy
Houthi forces, close allies of Iran, announced on Saturday that they fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at "sensitive Israeli military sites" and vowed to continue military operations until the "aggression" ends on all fronts. Israel confirmed intercepting one missile originating in Yemen. Later, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated the group carried out a second wave of strikes with a "barrage of cruise missiles and drones" targeting Israeli military sites, promising further operations in the coming days.
In response, Pakistan has scheduled a meeting of Middle Eastern powers on Monday to seek a regional approach to ending the conflict. However, the talks, involving foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt, do not include any warring parties, casting doubt on US claims of diplomatic progress.
Economic and Strategic Threats
The entry of the Houthis, who control Yemen's most populous areas, poses a direct threat to the Bab al-Mandab strait at the southern end of the Red Sea. This is a major choke point for energy supplies and trade in and out of the Middle East. With Iran's near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a shutdown of Bab al-Mandab could amplify the war's impact on the global economy and potentially reignite the Saudi-Yemen conflict, which caused significant humanitarian suffering before a 2022 truce.
Farea Al-Muslimi, a research fellow at Chatham House, warned that this escalation marks a serious concern, with potential impacts on commercial maritime routes and exposure of economic and military infrastructure across the Gulf region.
Military Developments and Escalations
Despite US claims to have devastated Iran's military, intelligence sources suggest Washington has only destroyed about a third of Iran's missile and drone arsenal. In related incidents, a missile and drone attack on Prince Sultan airbase in Saudi Arabia wounded at least 12 US soldiers, and drones struck Kuwait International Airport, damaging its radar system.
In a further sign of spreading conflict, Iran's central operational command claimed it targeted a Ukrainian anti-drone system depot in Dubai, allegedly assisting US forces. Ukraine has been providing anti-drone technology to Gulf states, drawing on experience from attacks by Russian forces using Iranian-designed drones. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced defence agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, following a similar pact with Saudi Arabia.
Weaponry and Regional Tensions
Reports indicate the US has used cluster munitions in the conflict, with experts identifying Gator anti-tank mines in Iran, a banned cluster weapon. The US is the only party in the conflict possessing such weapons, though Iran has used ballistic missiles with cluster warheads against Israel. Adm Brad Cooper of US Central Command condemned these strikes as indiscriminate.
As the war enters its second month, Pakistan has attempted to broker peace, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif holding discussions with Iran's president. However, regional meetings without protagonists may have limited effect. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has privately urged former US President Donald Trump to escalate against Iran, fearing a wounded but undefeated Tehran regime.
Potential for Further Conflict
Trump suggested Saudi Arabia should normalize relations with Israel in return for the attack on Iran, but the survival of Iran's regime after a month of bombing leaves the US with choices: extricate from the costly war or intensify the campaign, possibly with ground troops. Thousands of US marines and airborne forces have deployed in the region, raising speculation of land incursions on Kharg Island or islands in the Hormuz strait.
Iran has warned that such actions would lead to a complete shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz and escalated attacks on regional infrastructure, including desalination plants vital for Gulf countries. Al-Muslimi cautioned that any renewed conflict could be more intense and devastating than previous rounds.
