Yemen’s Houthis Have Entered the Iran War. What You Need To Know

Yemen's Houthi movement fired ballistic missiles at southern Israel on Saturday, with military spokesman Brigadier-General Yahya Saree declaring the group has entered the Iran war on the side of Tehran and its ally Hezbollah. The Israeli military said it intercepted the threat, but the attack opens a new regional front as Trump administration officials signal the conflict could end within weeks. The Houthis previously disrupted global shipping for over a year and could trigger far greater economic impact if they resume Red Sea attacks targeting maritime traffic and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which handles roughly 15% of global maritime trade annually. Expert Thomas Juneau says limited direct strikes on Israel will not significantly alter Trump's timeline for ending the war, but a return to shipping attacks would amplify oil price spikes and pressure the administration to extend military operations. The group struck a deal with the Trump administration in May to halt shipping attacks in exchange for a pause in U.S. airstrikes, though Israel-targeted attacks resumed until a Gaza ceasefire was eventually reached.