Analysts: Houthis’ future tied to Iran’s fate, solution begins with restoring the state
RIYADH: Political analysts have linked the future of Yemen’s Houthi movement to the fate of the Iranian regime and the trajectory of the wider regional confrontation, following the latest escalation affecting security in the Red Sea and freedom of international navigation. They argue that Tehran views the Yemeni front as one of its key pressure tools in response to mounting military and economic pressure.
Although the Houthis appear prepared to escalate as far as Tehran wishes, serving as a bargaining chip in Iran’s negotiations with Washington, analysts told Asharq Al-Awsat that the equation is different this time.
They pointed to the increased readiness of Yemen’s government forces, along with stronger cohesion and a more unified military command, developments that could significantly influence any future confrontation.
At the same time, they stressed that Riyadh remains determined to avoid being drawn into a broad or direct confrontation with Tehran, while making clear that this does not imply tolerance of any threat to Saudi national security or compromise its legitimate right to self-defense.
