The Digester
general

Houthi entry into Iran war raises risk to Red Sea shipping and deepens Yemen crisis

The Houthis now appear to be actively joining Iran’s regional campaign, putting the narrow Bab al-Mandab at risk of disruption and threatening global shipping, regional diplomacy and prospects for peace in Yemen.

Mar 29th 2026 · Yemen

Insights

  • Houthis have controlled large parts of Yemen including the capital since 2014 and have received arms from Iran according to UN reports.
  • They carried out attacks on Bab al-Mandab shipping from 2023 but agreed a US-mediated ceasefire in May 2025 that was later extended to Israel in October 2025.
  • Their missiles, drones and small boats give them the capacity to disrupt or close the Bab al-Mandab and threaten the Red Sea route.
  • Closure of both the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz would sharply increase shipping costs and oil prices and harm the global economy.
  • Saudi Arabia is funding the new southern government and may seek arrangements with the Houthis while the Southern Transitional Council remains a latent force.
  • The UN warns escalation could draw Yemen into a wider regional war, deepen economic damage and prolong civilian suffering.

Sources