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Houthis enter war against US after Iran strikes

Yemen's Ansar Allah movement, known as the Houthis, has officially announced its participation in the armed conflict in the Middle East, responding to the recent American attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and subsequent missile fire from Israel. The announcement was made on June 22, 2025, through the Houthis' official account, which emphasized their intention to enter the war and called on foreign ships to avoid Yemeni territorial waters. On social media, the rebels posted a cartoon depicting US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighting their anti-Western stance.

According to Qatari TV channel Al Jazeera, Mohammed al-Buheiti, a member of the Houthi political bureau, confirmed the rupture of the ceasefire agreement with the United States, concluded in May 2025 after lengthy negotiations. The agreement, which provided for an end to Houthi attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea in exchange for an end to American strikes, was declared invalid due to Washington's actions. Al-Buheiti said that the first targets would be American forces in the Red Sea, and hostilities would continue until the aggression against Iran ceases. He added that the Houthis intend to coordinate their actions with Tehran, strengthening Iranian influence in the region.

The conflict escalated after the US struck Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan overnight on June 22 using bunker buster bombs and cruise missiles. Iran responded with missile attacks on Israeli cities, sparking further escalation. The Iranian-backed Houthis, including drones and missiles, have previously demonstrated their ability to disrupt shipping in the Red Sea, prompting the US to step up patrols in the region. Analysts say the rebels may use Iranian-made anti-ship missiles and drones, such as the Shahed-136, to attack US ships.

In Yemen, the situation is complicated by internal conflict and a humanitarian crisis. According to the UN, recent fighting has destroyed bridges and roads in Houthi-controlled areas, including the city of Hodeida, hampering access to food for millions of residents. Local leaders have reported a growing number of refugees fleeing the fighting. At the same time, the Houthis are consolidating their position, using Iranian technology to build new missile launchers in the mountainous areas of northern Yemen, as captured by satellite imagery from Planet Labs.

The Pentagon has confirmed it is monitoring Houthi activity and has bolstered the US Navy’s presence in the Red Sea, sending the destroyer USS Arleigh Burke to protect trade routes. But analysts warn that Houthi coordination with Iran could lead to sophisticated attacks combining missiles and drones that would require significant resources to neutralize. Iran has promised additional support for the Houthis, including training for operators and fuel supplies, which could prolong their fighting ability.

Analysts say the Houthis’ entry into the conflict increases strategic pressure on the United States and its allies, especially in the context of Iran’s active involvement. The rebels, despite their limited resources, are using Iranian technology to threaten sea routes, which could affect logistics in the region. Diplomatic initiatives, such as the UAE’s mediation, have so far failed to produce results, and the conflict risks escalating into a protracted war with unpredictable consequences for the Middle East.

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