As tensions between the United States and Iran recently reached a boiling point, many around the world watched with bated breath, wondering if this would be the moment that the two countries finally clash in a full-fledged war. And while both sides have engaged in heated rhetoric and military actions, there is one surprising player in the mix that has yet to make a move – Iran’s Houthi proxies in Yemen.
The Houthis are a Shia rebel group that has been at war with the Yemeni government since 2015. They are known to have strong ties with Iran and have received military and financial support from the Iranian government. As the U.S. and Iran continue to exchange threats and escalate tensions, many are wondering why the Houthis have remained relatively quiet.
One possible explanation is that the Houthis may not have the capacity to engage in a direct conflict with the U.S. Despite their strong alliance with Iran, the Houthis are a relatively small group with limited resources. They have been engaged in a long and grueling war with the Yemeni government and have been struggling to maintain control over their territories. Engaging in a full-blown conflict with the world’s most powerful military may prove to be too costly for them.
Another factor to consider is the Houthis’ strategic and long-term goals. While they have received support from Iran, their main objective is to gain control and autonomy over Yemen. Engaging in a conflict with the U.S. may divert their attention and resources away from their ultimate goal. Additionally, provoking the U.S. may jeopardize their already fragile relationship with neighboring countries, who have been providing support to the Houthis in their fight against the Yemeni government.
Furthermore, the Houthis may also be taking a calculated risk in remaining silent. They may be using this opportunity to observe and gather intelligence on the U.S. military’s capabilities and strategies. This information can be valuable in their future conflicts with the Yemeni government, as well as their regional adversaries.
It is also worth noting that the Houthis have shown a willingness to negotiate and engage in peace talks in the past. In December 2018, they agreed to a ceasefire agreement with the Yemeni government, showing their willingness to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. This further supports the idea that they may not be interested in provoking the U.S. and escalating the situation.
The decision of Iran’s Houthi proxies to sit out of the current U.S.-Iran conflict may be a wise move on their part. By not engaging in direct conflict with the U.S., they are avoiding the risk of a devastating response from the U.S. military. At the same time, they are also not jeopardizing their end goal of gaining control over Yemen.
But perhaps the most significant factor in the Houthis’ decision is the potential impact on innocent civilians. Yemen is already facing a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people in need of food and aid. A direct conflict with the U.S. would only exacerbate this situation, causing further harm to the Yemeni people. By choosing to remain on the sidelines, the Houthis are also showing a level of responsibility and concern for the well-being of their own people.
In conclusion, Iran’s Houthi proxies have so far remained out of the U.S.-Iran conflict, and this may be a calculated decision on their part. It is a sign of the Houthis’ strategic thinking and their long-term goals. By not engaging in direct conflict, they are protecting their resources, avoiding a potential devastating response from the U.S., and showing concern for the well-being of their people. Regardless of the reasons, their absence from the conflict is a positive development and may pave the way for future peace talks and a resolution to the ongoing war in Yemen.
