Why Yemen’s Houthis are hesitating to join Iran war, for now

Why Yemen’s Houthis are hesitating to join Iran war, for now Submitted by Saeed Al-Batati on Wed, 03/04/2026 - 09:26 Analysts say the movement is likely to escalate if it deems Iran to be facing an existential threat A person walks with an Iranian flag during a protest against Israeli and the US strikes on Iran, following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in Sanaa, 1 March 2026 (Reuters/Khaled Abdullah) Off Yemen ’s Houthi movement is likely to intervene sooner or later in support of Tehran, but the timing and scale of any involvement will depend on how the conflict between Iran , the US  and Israel unfolds, analysts say. If the Houthis conclude that Iran, their main backer, is losing ground or facing an existential threat, they are likely to escalate militarily, according to observers. “The Houthis are still studying the situation and will make their decision based on the challenges facing Iran,” Fatehi bin Lazreq, editor of the Aden al-Ghad newspaper, told Middle East Eye.