Why does Iran support Houthis?

The Iran-supported Yemeni Houthis have taken an extraordinary step in siding with Hamas militants during the conflict between Israel and Hamas. They have engaged in missile strikes, maritime hijackings, and drone launches.

Despite the majority of these efforts failing and none of the attacks reaching Israeli soil, it raises a pertinent question: why, among all of Iran’s Shia allies, are the Houthis seemingly acting with such aggression? The Houthis’ relationship with Iran is complex. While they are not solely an Iranian proxy, their ties with Iran have deepened over time.

The Houthis began receiving Iranian support around 2009, but it was marginal at first. Relations intensified after 2011 when Yemen faced instability due to street protests and elite infighting. The Houthis expanded their power and eventually took over the capital, Sanaa, in 2014. This piqued Iran’s interest as Saudi Arabia grew anxious about insecurity on its southern border and the Houthis became more powerful.

Iran’s role in the Houthi movement’s success is multifaceted. While local dynamics played a significant role (including looting national army stockpiles and forging alliances with tribal militias), growing Iranian support has contributed to their strength. Iran provides small arms and increasingly advanced and lethal weapons to the Houthis. Smuggling networks help deliver technologically advanced parts that the Houthis combine with locally acquired or produced ones.

The Houthi-Iran partnership serves both parties. For Iran, it allows them to exert influence in Yemen and pressure Saudi Arabia indirectly without risking direct confrontation with Israel or the United States. The Houthis provide a way for Iran to act symbolically or ineffectively while minimizing potential repercussions. Additionally, Iran has helped the Houthis build factories to make drones in Yemen and provided military advice through groups like Hezbollah.

In summary, while the Houthis are not Iran’s sole proxy, their relationship has grown stronger over time due to shared interests and strategic considerations. The Houthis’ actions serve as a way for Iran to assert influence in the region without directly engaging in conflict with Israel or other major states.