"The combined effect of both waterways being shut to commercial traffic from countries that neither the Iranians nor Houthis favour would be devastating. Napoleon Bonaparte's remark that the policy of a state lies in its geography has never seemed more apt."
"The Houthis, a Shia sect with a deep hatred of Israel that has run large tracts of Yemen including the capital since 2014, is a complex, resilient movement able to take reverses in its stride."
"A ceasefire with the US that emerged from mediation by Oman has been in force since May 2025, bringing to an end attacks on US shipping through Bab al-Mandab that had been taking place since October 2023."
"The Houthis stressed the ceasefire did not in any way shape or form apply to Israel and some attacks continued thereafter."
The Houthis, a resilient Shia movement in Yemen, may either launch attacks on Israel or attempt to close the Bab al-Mandab strait, affecting Red Sea shipping. Their complex history includes a ceasefire with the US since May 2025, following significant damage from US attacks. Despite a ceasefire with the US, the Houthis continued targeting Israel. Their actions could be influenced by Iranian strategies, especially in light of upcoming US-Iran nuclear talks and a ceasefire agreement with Hamas in Gaza.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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