Iran appears to be bringing the Houthis back into the regional conflict, using the terrorist organization in Yemen as another means of pressuring Israel and threatening international trade.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree announced a complete ban on Israeli shipping in the Red Sea, warning that any Israeli vessel operating in the area would be considered a military target. The declaration came hours after Israel intercepted a missile launched from Yemen. An additional drone launched toward Eilat was intercepted overnight.
This is the Houthis’ first major maritime declaration since the latest period of calm between Israel and Iran began. Houthi attacks on shipping had declined significantly compared with 2024 and 2025, when their missile and drone campaign turned the Red Sea into one of the world’s most dangerous commercial shipping routes.
The timing suggests that Tehran is expanding the number of pressure points surrounding Israel. Alongside Hezbollah in Lebanon and other Iranian proxies, the Houthis provide Iran with the ability to threaten Israel from a distant front while also raising the economic cost for the international community.