Edward Marchesi The situation in Yemen is becoming increasingly critical. The Houthis, a rebel group backed by Iran, recently captured the city of Mocha, located on the Red Sea coast . This strategic move brings them dangerously close to controlling the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb, one of the world's most important sea lanes.
Clashes between Yemeni government forces and pro-Iranian rebels have been ongoing for days, with violent attacks also hitting Saudi oil infrastructure. Tensions in the region are steadily rising, with repercussions that could extend far beyond Yemen's borders.
Iranian strategy and the role of the Houthis
Yemen has become the main front on which Iran can exert pressure against Riyadh and Washington . With Hezbollah in Lebanon weakened and post-Assad Syria aligned with the United States , the Houthis represent the only card Tehran can still play without directly exposing itself.
The Houthis are capable of hitting Saudi oil tankers and facilities, threatening transit through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
This offers Iran a low-cost political lever to apply pressure, at a time when diplomatic channels remain blocked.
The consequences for the Red Sea
The Houthi advance has already led to at least seven ships being diverted, preferring to avoid the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. UN envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg warned that the attacks risk widening the conflict, with serious consequences for global maritime trade.
Attacks against Saudi Arabia
The Houthis recently bombed energy facilities and cities in Saudi Arabia , wounding more than 70 people. These attacks came after Iran warned that energy infrastructure in the Gulf was vulnerable to retaliatory strikes.
The Saudi Ministry of Energy reported that fires broke out at some power plants, injuring workers and associates. The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said it will take all necessary operational measures to counter the Houthis' hostile behavior.
The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have launched attacks against Saudi Arabia since declaring a naval blockade against Riyadh in July. Disruptions to maritime traffic in the Red Sea have fueled fears about global oil and gas supplies.