Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Houthi Red Sea Advance Forces Gulf States Toward Iran Talks
The Houthi movement has gained control of important areas along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
These areas are near shipping routes used to move goods and oil.
This gives the Houthis and Iran more influence over regional trade.
Saudi Arabia tried sending oil through Red Sea ports after problems developed around the Strait of Hormuz.
It later closed a pipeline after an attack.
Gulf countries now face a difficult choice between continuing confrontation and talking with Iran.
Some Gulf officials believe the United States may not quickly solve the crisis.
Representatives from Iran and several Gulf countries are expected to meet in Oman about keeping ships moving safely.
Analysts say the Houthis can affect the world economy because of where they are located.
The Houthi movement’s capture of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline and strategic islands has increased Iran’s leverage over Gulf trade and energy flows.
Saudi Arabia closed an oil pipeline after it came under attack, following the rerouting of crude away from the Strait of Hormuz.
Gulf states are weighing accommodation with Iran as economic costs rise and confidence in rapid U.S. intervention declines.
Foreign ministers from several Gulf countries and Iran are expected to discuss a temporary mechanism for shipping through Hormuz in Oman.
Analysts say the Houthis’ geographic position gives them influence over global shipping and oil markets beyond Yemen’s borders.
- Who
- The Houthi movement, Iran, Saudi Arabia, other Gulf states, and the United States are the principal actors.
- What
- The Houthis’ advance along Yemen’s Red Sea coast is increasing pressure on Gulf states to consider negotiations with Iran over shipping and regional security.
- When
- The analysis was published on September 13; a Gulf-Iran meeting was expected on the following Monday.
- Where
- The developments center on Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, the Bab el-Mandeb, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf region.
- Why
- The Houthi position threatens important shipping and energy routes, while attacks, economic costs, and uncertainty about U.S. intervention are pushing Gulf states to reassess their strategy.
Accommodation and regional diplomacy
Confrontation and U.S. reliance
How Gulf states should respond
Accommodation and regional diplomacy
Some regional officials and analysts say Gulf states may need to negotiate with Iran to protect trade, energy flows, and economic stability.
Confrontation and U.S. reliance
A continued confrontational approach would avoid granting Iran further influence, but the analysis says years of confrontation have not removed Iran’s strategic position beside regional trade and energy routes.
Role of the United States
Accommodation and regional diplomacy
Some Gulf officials and analysts argue that Gulf countries may need parallel diplomacy with Tehran because Washington may not be able to end the crisis quickly.
Confrontation and U.S. reliance
The United States remains central to Gulf security calculations, but reported U.S. reluctance to strike the Houthis has contributed to doubts about relying on Washington alone.
Interpretation of the Houthi movement
Accommodation and regional diplomacy
Analysts describe the Houthis as an autonomous force capable of weaponizing geography and affecting international trade and oil markets.
Confrontation and U.S. reliance
Other assessments emphasize the Houthis as part of Iran’s broader step-by-step regional strategy and as an effective Iranian ally.
- Strategic location
- The Houthi movement has secured a position near Bab el-Mandeb, a major shipping artery.
- Saudi oil route
- Saudi Arabia rerouted much of its crude through Red Sea ports before closing an attacked pipeline.
- Expected meeting
- Gulf foreign ministers and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi were expected to meet in Oman.
- Participating countries
- Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Iraq were expected to participate; Kuwait was also expected, while Bahrain was not.
- Main proposal
- The talks were intended to consider a temporary mechanism for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and possibly longer-term arrangements.
- U.S. position
- Donald Trump said Gulf states could decide for themselves whether to meet with Iran.
- Analysts’ assessment
- Analysts said the Houthi position could give Iran and the Houthis greater leverage over Gulf states, the United States, and global trade.