The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen have threatened to join the war, targeting Red Sea shipping.
On Friday, March 27, under Iranian support, the Yemeni Houthi rebels stated they would enter the conflict if attacks against Iran continue, more countries join the U.S.-Israel offensive, or the Red Sea becomes a launching point for aggression. Earlier, U.S. media revealed that the White House and Pentagon are considering deploying at least 10,000 combat troops to the Middle East in the coming days. With maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz still uncertain, should the conflict in the Middle East escalate to this extent, Red Sea shipping would also be impacted—dealing yet another blow to the global economy.
In a video posted on the X platform, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said: "If there is an alliance between the United States and Israel against Iran... If hostile actions are launched against Iran or any Muslim nation from the Red Sea... and escalations against the Islamic Republic of Iran persist, we are ready for direct military intervention."
He also stated that the Houthis would respond to any "unjust measures" taken against Yemen.
These Iran-backed rebel groups control much of Yemen. During the war between Israel and Palestinian Hamas in Gaza from 2023 to 2025, they launched multiple attacks on Israel and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Their missiles and drones severely disrupted traffic along this strategic waterway. Today, Saudi Arabia relies on this route to export oil, avoiding the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked by Tehran.
The Houthis belong to what is known as the "Axis of Resistance," a coalition that also includes Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Palestinian Hamas, and Iran-backed Iraqi armed groups.
Currently, the Houthis have not directly engaged in combat, but their leaders warned on Thursday that they would “immediately” intervene if needed.
There is no unified account regarding negotiation progress or when hostilities might cease. On Friday, U.S. envoy Wittkopf expressed hope that Iran and Washington could hold talks this week to end the Middle East war. Rubio said the end of the Iran conflict could come within weeks rather than months, adding that the U.S. does not need to deploy ground forces to achieve its objectives. According to U.S. media reports, the White House and Pentagon are currently considering sending at least 10,000 combat troops to the Middle East in the coming days. Previously, Iran had warned that if a ground attack occurs, it would use its ally, the Houthi rebels in Yemen, to target Red Sea shipping, opening a new front in the conflict.
Source: rfi
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1860869202219024/
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