The Houthis declare a state of emergency in anticipation of a US attack on Iran
Media reports and informed sources indicate that the Houthi group in Yemen has declared a state of emergency and raised its military readiness to maximum levels in anticipation of a potential US military strike against Iran. This move comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and growing fears that the conflict could widen to involve major regional and international powers.
The context of the strategic alliance and the axis of resistance
This Houthi mobilization cannot be understood in isolation from the broader context of the group's close relationship with Tehran. The Houthis are a key component of what is known as the Iranian-led "axis of resistance" in the region, which includes factions in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. This axis's strategy is based on the principle of "unity of arenas," meaning that any existential threat to Tehran could trigger a coordinated response from all its allies in the region. Observers believe that the declaration of a state of emergency sends a political and military message that Yemen will not be immune to any potential US-Iranian confrontation.
Background to the tensions in the Red Sea
This development coincides with the ongoing military operations launched by the Houthis in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, targeting commercial vessels linked to or bound for Israel, in solidarity with the Gaza Strip. These attacks have led to the formation of a US-led international coalition called "Operation Prosperity Sentinel" to protect international shipping. This direct and continuous friction between US forces and the Houthis has made Yemen a major flashpoint, reinforcing the hypothesis that Yemen could serve as a forward operating base for retaliation should Iran be subjected to any military strike.
The repercussions of the escalation and its regional and international impact
This declaration carries serious implications for regional and international security. Domestically, the declaration of a state of emergency means further internal repression and military mobilization, which could prolong the Yemeni conflict and complicate the already faltering peace process. Regionally, the Houthis' direct involvement in the conflict in defense of Iran could lead to attacks on vital infrastructure in neighboring countries or an escalation of attacks on US bases in the region. Internationally, this escalation threatens global supply chains and energy markets, as a significant portion of global trade and oil passes through the waterways bordering Yemen and Iran, posing serious challenges to the global economy should a full-scale confrontation erupt.
