The ‘silent’ ally: Why Yemen’s Houthis are holding their fire while the Middle East ignites

Why Yemen’s Houthi rebels have not joined the Iran–Israel conflict has drawn attention as other Iran-aligned groups enter the fighting. Analysts say ideology, domestic priorities in Yemen, and the risk of retaliation may explain the group’s restraint.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels, one of Iran’s key Shi’ite allies in the region, have so far stayed on the sidelines of the latest conflict sparked by US and Israeli strikes on Tehran. While groups aligned with Iran in Lebanon and Iraq have already joined the fighting, the Houthis — who possess the ability to strike Gulf states and disrupt shipping routes around the Arabian Peninsula — have yet to take part directly.

Here is a closer look at the reasons behind their apparent restraint.

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Yemen’s Houthi rebels, one of Iran’s key Shi’ite allies in the region, have so far stayed on the sidelines of the latest conflict sparked by US and Israeli strikes on Tehran. While groups aligned with Iran in Lebanon and Iraq have already joined the fighting, the Houthis — who possess the ability to strike Gulf states and disrupt shipping routes around the Arabian Peninsula — have yet to take part directly.

Here is a closer look at the reasons behind their apparent restraint.