Yemen Tensions Rise as Iran Threatens Red Sea Closure

Yemen's internationally recognized government bombed Sanaa International Airport on Monday to prevent an Iranian plane from landing, according to multiple reports. The Yemeni government claimed the flight was carrying military experts and equipment for Houthi rebels, while the Houthis insisted it transported medical patients and a delegation returning from Iran.

The attack marked a significant escalation following four years of relative calm since a truce was agreed upon in 2022. Retaliatory missile strikes by Houthi rebels against Saudi Arabia have heightened concerns of a renewed large-scale conflict in the region, potentially disrupting global trade through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree declared that the 'de-escalation phase' of Yemen's war was over, signaling a potential return to full-scale conflict. Meanwhile, Yemeni Defense Minister Taher al-Aqili stated that the government's patience had run out, indicating a shift towards more aggressive actions against the Houthis.

The incident involving the Iranian aircraft exposed the extent to which the war in Yemen has become intertwined with the confrontation between the United States and Iran. The internationally recognized Yemeni government and Saudi Arabia treated the flight as a test of sovereignty and of Iran's ability to establish a direct link with Houthi-controlled areas. The Houthis and Tehran, meanwhile, presented it as an attempt to break the restrictions imposed on Sanaa.

The conflict has triggered one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with both sides accusing Iran of arming and training the Houthis. The U.S. claims Iran has armed, funded, and trained the Houthis with help from Hezbollah, while the Houthis deny being an Iranian proxy.

According to Reuters, Iran has asked Yemen’s Houthi movement to stand ready to close the Red Sea oil route if the United States strikes Iranian power infrastructure. The idea has been discussed within Iran's leadership and conveyed to its Houthi allies, sources told Reuters. A source close to the Houthis said the group had completed preparations to attack shipping by deploying missiles and drones near Bab el-Mandeb strait.

The conflict began on February 28, when Israel and the United States attacked Iran, leading Tehran to shut the Strait of Hormuz, a main route for around a fifth of global energy supplies. Tensions have mounted since a fragile June truce between Tehran and Washington collapsed, reviving fears of full-scale war and disrupting energy flows through the Strait.