Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Houthi Offensive Leaves Saudi Arabia Exposed, Iran Gains Maritime Leverage
The Houthis, an armed group in Yemen, captured important land and islands near a major sea passage.
This was a serious setback for Saudi Arabia, which supports forces fighting the Houthis.
Officials and analysts said Saudi Arabia and its allies did not realize how prepared the Houthis had become.
One diplomat estimated that the Houthis had about 100,000 fighters.
Retreating Saudi-backed forces also left behind weapons supplied by the United States and Saudi Arabia.
The United States and European countries were not ready to directly support a Saudi counterattack.
Saudi Arabia therefore looked to Egypt for possible help, although no agreement was confirmed.
The Houthis may now be able to pressure Saudi Arabia and influence shipping near the Red Sea.
The victory could also increase Iran’s influence through its regional allies.
The Houthis advanced along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and captured ground and islands overlooking the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Officials and analysts attributed the setback to divided Yemeni factions, limited Saudi air support, intelligence failures and underestimated Houthi preparations.
A diplomat estimated that the Houthis had assembled about 100,000 fighters, while retreating Saudi-backed forces abandoned advanced U.S.- and Saudi-supplied weapons.
The United States and European countries were reportedly unwilling to provide direct military backing, prompting Saudi Arabia to seek possible Egyptian support.
The gains could increase Iran’s regional influence and give the Houthis leverage over Red Sea shipping, Saudi oil exports and political negotiations.
- Who
- The Houthis, Saudi Arabia and its Yemeni allies, Iran, Egypt, the United States and European countries.
- What
- The Houthis captured territory and islands near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, dealing Saudi Arabia a major setback in Yemen.
- When
- The advance occurred during the week before the report was published on September 16.
- Where
- Along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, between Yemen and the African coast near Djibouti and Eritrea.
- Why
- Reported factors included divisions among anti-Houthi forces, limited Saudi air support, an untested Saudi-led command structure, intelligence failures and an underestimation of Houthi preparations.
Saudi and Allied Security Concerns
Houthi Leverage and Political Demands
Military response
Saudi and Allied Security Concerns
A Gulf official said Saudi Arabia risked becoming hostage to the Houthis if it did not respond, but warned that a larger operation could trigger attacks deeper inside Saudi Arabia.
Houthi Leverage and Political Demands
The Houthis can use their territorial gains, captured weapons and position near Bab el-Mandeb to consolidate power and increase pressure on Saudi Arabia.
Foreign involvement
Saudi and Allied Security Concerns
Saudi Arabia is seeking regional backing, including possible Egyptian involvement, while Western officials said the United States and European countries were not prepared to provide direct military support.
Houthi Leverage and Political Demands
The absence of Western intervention and uncertainty over Egyptian support could give the Houthis greater room to exploit their battlefield gains.
Political settlement
Saudi and Allied Security Concerns
Dennis Ross said Saudi Arabia would find it difficult to accept Houthi demands involving ports, the airport, compensation and support for Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
Houthi Leverage and Political Demands
The Houthis appear to be using their military gains to seek broader concessions from Riyadh.
- Estimated Houthi force
- A diplomat estimated that the Houthis had quietly assembled about 100,000 fighters.
- Strategic location
- The Bab el-Mandeb Strait was described as a vital route for global oil supplies and Red Sea shipping.
- Abandoned equipment
- Retreating Saudi-backed forces left behind advanced weapons supplied by the United States and Saudi Arabia.
- Saudi response
- Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman traveled to Cairo to seek help containing the fallout.
- Possible Egyptian role
- Regional sources said Saudi Arabia wanted Egypt to participate in Red Sea operations, but no agreement was confirmed.
- Western position
- Two Western officials said the United States and European countries were not prepared to provide direct military backing.
- Reported Houthi demands
- Former U.S. negotiator Dennis Ross said the Houthis sought fewer restrictions on Hodeidah port and Sanaa airport, war compensation and reduced Saudi support for Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
