SANAA, Yemen - Abdulmalik al Houthi, leader of the Iranian-backed Yemeni terror group, declared full coordination with Tehran’s “Axis of Resistance” and warned of possible escalation against the United States and Israel in a series of speeches over the past two weeks, even as his forces have observed a ceasefire in place since April 7.
“We also affirm our readiness to confront [the United States and Israel]-with God’s help and trust-in any escalation or any developments within the current situation. We are in full coordination with our mujahideen brothers in the (Axis of Jihad, Resistance, and Jerusalem) regarding what is happening in Lebanon and Palestine, and regarding the unjust and aggressive American measures, and whatever is necessary in response,” Houthi said in a June 5 speech. The Houthis launched drones and missiles at Israel between March 28 and April 2 but have not conducted attacks since the ceasefire took effect.
The rhetoric carries operational weight. Esmail Qaani, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force, recently threatened to close the Bab al Mandeb Strait, the strategic Red Sea chokepoint through which roughly 12 percent of global trade passes. Tehran has repeatedly said it could employ the Houthis, who control most of Yemen’s Red Sea coast, to shut the waterway. During the recent conflict, however, the Houthis resisted targeting international shipping in the Red Sea.
Houthi also directed a veiled threat at neighboring Arab states. “We advise all forces and entities in our region to beware of being drawn into fighting in service of the Zionist enemy by the Americans. Because the Americans are indeed trying to bring them to this point: to engage in a comprehensive battle in service of the Zionist Jews, in service of Israel. This poses a grave danger to them, for they will be serving an enemy that targets everyone in every way,” he said. The group has previously warned Arab countries against involvement in regional conflict alongside the United States.
On May 27, Houthi issued a statement on the death of Mohammed Odeh, head of Hamas’s Al Qassem Brigades, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike after holding the post for only 10 days. “The martyrdom of the jihadist leader Muhammad Awda (may God be pleased with him) in this confrontation with the front of disbelief, criminality, and tyranny adds to the shining record of sacrifice, jihad, selflessness, patience, determination, and will that the mujahideen brothers in Al Qassam Brigades possess,” Houthi said.
In a separate statement on May 26 marking the Eid al Adha holiday, Houthi discussed the “suffering and great injustice inflicted upon the Palestinian people” and called for support for Hezbollah in its fight against Israel. He described Iran as an example to Muslim nations in confronting the United States and Israel.
The Houthi statements signal that the ceasefire, now approaching its third month, has not diminished the group’s alignment with Tehran’s regional proxy network. Whether the rhetoric translates into renewed attacks on Israel or disruption of Red Sea shipping will depend on developments in Lebanon and Gaza and on any breakdown of the April 7 ceasefire framework.