With Hezbollah battered, Iran’s emerging proxy network of Houthis and Iraqi militias target Saudi Arabia and other U.S. allies
In July, Saudi Arabia and the United States bombed Iran-backed militias in Iraq after blaming them for drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities that had been claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, another Iranian ally.
TL;DR
- Houthi operatives allegedly helped Iraqi militias plan and execute a swarm attack, indicating enhanced coordination within Iran's regional network.
- Iran is reportedly leveraging Iraqi militias and Houthis to threaten Saudi Arabia and other Gulf allies, aiming to raise the stakes of ongoing conflicts.
- Recent Houthi attacks on Saudi oil facilities and shipping in the Red Sea have increased tensions and threatened critical trade routes.
- The U.S. and Saudi Arabia responded to a previous drone attack with airstrikes, resulting in casualties among Iraqi fighters, Iranian advisers, and a Houthi official.
- Cooperation between Iraqi militias and Houthis has grown, with potential sharing of military expertise.
- The strategy is risky, potentially leading to full-scale war and further economic isolation of Iran.
- Houthi actions have impacted global oil supply chains, forcing Saudi Arabia to alter shipping routes and transit policies.