What’s Behind the Houthi-Iran Nexus that has Shipping on the Run

Until recently few had heard of the Houthis, till they decided to attack merchant vessels in the Red Sea and Bab-al-Mandab in support of the Palestinians and Hamas. Their surprisingly sophisticated attack ability is sponsored by Iran, their long term ally, as we are given to understand from various reports.
The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, are a Zaidi Shia-led religious-political movement that emerged in northern Yemen in the 1990s. The Houthi movement initially sought greater autonomy for the Zaidi Shia community and became a significant force in Yemen’s complex tribal, political, and religious landscape.
The linkage between the Houthis and Iran is multifaceted and involves ideological, political, and military dimensions, evolving significantly over the years, especially after the Houthi takeover of Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, in 2014.
Both the Houthis and the Iranian government share a common thread in their Shia Islamic identity, although there are distinct differences in religious practices and beliefs. The Zaidi Shia of Yemen and the Twelver Shia of Iran follow different branches of Shia Islam, but there is a degree of religious solidarity that shapes their association.
Iran has positioned itself as a defender of Shia interests in the Middle East, often in direct opposition to Saudi-led Sunni coalition interests. The political struggle for influence between Saudi Arabia and Iran has played a significant role in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The Houthi rebellion in Yemen has been seen by Iran as an opportunity to support a like-minded group and, as a result, counterbalance Saudi influence in the Arabian Peninsula.
Several reports and statements by various governments, including the United States, have accused Iran of supplying the Houthis with weapons, including ballistic missiles and drones, which have been used against merchant ships passing through the Red Sea and the straits of Ba-al-Mandab. Iran’s support is viewed as part of its wider strategy to exert influence in the region and is a point of international contention, particularly with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the United States, and other Western allies.
However, it is crucial to understand that while there is evidence of Iranian support to the Houthis, the extent and nature of this relationship can be complex and, at times, overstated to fit broader regional political narratives. The Houthi movement maintains its autonomy and has its own local agendas, which may not always align seamlessly with Iranian interests.
It’s also important to note that the situation is highly dynamic. Diplomatic efforts, regional dynamics, and internal changes within either Iran or Yemen could significantly alter the relationship and the situation on the ground.
Meanwhile, the decision by many shipping lines to delay or cease passage of their ships through the Red Sea has set off alarms in Egypt which stands to suffer the most financially if traffic through the Suez Canal drops significantly. Therefore intense diplomatic efforts are afoot to reign in the Houthis, and their attacks on shipping may soon taper off. After all, shipping services are a lifeline to the whole world, including the Houthis and Iran.
Marex Media