Houthis seek Hezbollah-like role with plan to escalate Yemen conflict in support of Iran

Houthi militants are plotting to escalate the Yemen conflict and expand it into a regional issue, with the ultimate aim of increasing their influence under Iran's patronage, according to sources. The rebels, who have controlled Yemen for over a decade, claim their recent strikes against Saudi Arabia, the Bab Al Mandeb strait, and government forces are meant to push for a resolution to the Yemeni war.

However, insiders reveal a multi-faceted strategy driven partly by the need to bolster Iran's position as other Iran-backed groups withdraw underground, while timing the escalation to maximize potential benefits. A former Yemeni diplomat asserts that the Houthi rebels are strategically leveraging the current situation to their advantage, recognizing that the timing is "now" and that it serves Yemen's interests and those of their allies.

The Yemeni rebels, aided mainly by Iran, had remained inactive amid the US-Iran and Israel conflicts. However, their role in the regional conflict has gradually increased, with attacks on Israel, threats to Israeli and US-linked shipping in the Red Sea, and escalations around Bab Al Mandeb. By aligning themselves with Tehran, the Houthis risk disrupting two stability measures: a truce with Washington and a Saudi-led process toward a diplomatic settlement.

Their strategy is not solely driven by supporting Iran, but also reflects a broader ambition to become a leading regional power capable of shaping political and military situations beyond Yemen.