Will the Houthis join Iran's war?

"In Sanaa, where the Houthi group is politically and ideologically linked to the Iranian axis, it was natural for attention to turn to the speeches of the group's leader. Abdel-Malik al-Houthi has appeared three times since the outbreak of the war. In his first speech, he declared his solidarity with Iran and affirmed his readiness for all developments, in a message that seemed more like a political statement than a declaration of military resolve."

"However, what was left unsaid in the speeches was as striking as what was said. The group did not issue a clear declaration of military intervention, as it had done in the past when it wanted to send messages of deterrence or practical solidarity with its allies. Nor were there any direct escalations or clear military threats against Israeli or US interests recorded on the ground."

Following the US-Israeli military strike on Iran on February 28, 2026, and the subsequent assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the regional power balance shifted dramatically. In Yemen, Abdel-Malik al-Houthi confronted a strategic choice: whether to engage in new confrontation or manage the situation cautiously. The Houthi group, politically and ideologically linked to Iran, naturally drew attention to their leader's response. Al-Houthi delivered three speeches expressing solidarity with Iran and offering condolences for Khamenei's death. However, notably absent were explicit declarations of military intervention, direct escalations, or clear military threats against Israeli or US interests. The group's media messaging appeared more disciplined than in past instances when it sought to communicate deterrence or practical support for allies.

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