Iranian support for the Houthis

Iran has been a key supporter of the Houthi movement in Yemen, providing military, financial, and logistical support, despite both Iran and the Houthis denying the scale of assistance for years. The relationship dates back to the 1990s, when Houthi leaders received religious training in Iran. By 2009, Iran began offering more direct support, and this escalated after the collapse of the Yemeni government in 2011. Following the Houthis' takeover of Sana'a in 2014, Iranian support became more overt, with the supply of advanced weapons, military training, and intelligence. This support helped the Houthis bolster their military capabilities, including the use of sophisticated missiles and drones, which have played a significant role in their ongoing conflict with Saudi-led forces and with Israel, and with the disruption of the global maritime trade route through the Bab al-Mandab strait.

The strategic benefits for Iran in backing the Houthis are significant, particularly in terms of countering Saudi influence and furthering its regional interests. Iran has used the Houthis to destabilise the region and exert pressure on Saudi Arabia, including through attacks on Saudi military targets and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. This proxy warfare allows Iran to challenge Saudi Arabia without direct involvement. In return, the Houthis align themselves with Iran's ideological goals, promoting resistance against Western influence and supporting Iranian interests in the broader Middle East.