How Yemen's Houthis Are Testing the Limits of Iran's Power—And America's

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, despite their small size, present significant challenges to their enemies and even to their own patrons, Iran. These non-state forces have taken control of key territories near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and possess a formidable arsenal capable of targeting Saudi oil installations, major cities, and even the Saudi capital's international airport.

Iran, facing American sanctions and a tense standoff with President Donald Trump over the Strait of Hormuz, has attempted to broker a peace deal between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels. However, the Houthis may have grown beyond Iran's control. The rebel movement, formally known as Ansar Allah, has transformed into a powerful military and political force with its own goals.

Experts question whether Iran can maintain influence over its growing ally. Saudi Arabia and the United States face serious threats from the Houthi attacks, which have endangered their economies, compromised their defenses, and strained international relations. The situation poses a dilemma for the U.S. administration, as each escalation could force President Trump to consider military action, but a brokered Iranian ceasefire might improve Iran's regional standing and complicate American and Israeli efforts to counter Tehran.