What it’s about:

Yemen’s internal strife, stemming from decades of civil war and ideological battles, has created a chaotic environment that Iran has exploited. The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, are engaging in aggressive acts against international shipping in the Red Sea and launching attacks towards Israel. These actions are not only regionally destabilizing but also threaten global commerce, necessitating a strategic confrontation that addresses the true source of the aggression: Iran’s influence in Yemen.

Why it matters:

The Houthi assaults on maritime traffic pose a significant threat to global trade, particularly affecting the Suez Canal and consequently the Egyptian economy. The challenges extend beyond military confrontation as the political roots enabling the Houthis, chiefly Iran’s support, remain unaddressed. With the potential for broader international impacts, the situation underscores the need for a comprehensive response that curtails Iran’s expansionist ambitions and restores stability to the critical waterways.

The core issue:

Yemen’s potential as a prosperous and strategically positioned nation has been overshadowed by continuous conflict and tribal rivalries, with recent years transforming into a proxy battleground for Iran’s regional ambitions. The Houthi faction’s disruptive actions are symptomatic of a larger geopolitical struggle that carries implications for global commerce and regional security.

The broader implications:

The Houthi insurgency’s targeting of international shipping routes invites a global crisis by threatening the free flow of maritime commerce. The United States and allies are mobilizing to tackle this new form of aggression. However, a naval victory over the Houthis will not suffice; a political strategy is needed to address Iran’s overarching influence and support for the rebels, which is at the heart of the crisis.

What’s next:

While the international community is poised to react militarily, the real challenge lies in confronting and dismantling the infrastructure supporting Houthi operations, supplied and sustained by Iran. The conflict presents an opportunity to not only neutralize immediate threats but also to curtail Iran’s hegemonic efforts, affecting its presence from Beirut to the Bab-el-Mandab Straits. The endgame involves the cessation of Houthi belligerence and the creation of a framework that ensures lasting peace and security.

Bottom line:

Yemen’s plight, aggravated by Houthi aggression, is a piece of the larger puzzle of Iran’s Middle Eastern strategy. Addressing the symptoms without engaging the cause—Tehran’s proxy warfare—will only yield temporary relief. Therefore, the international community must formulate a multi-faceted approach that includes military, diplomatic, and economic tactics to effectively mitigate the threats posed by the Houthis and their Iranian patrons.

This story was first published on jpost.com.