After recent events in Yemen, the Houthis have gained more control over the coasts of Yemen and several islands in the Red Sea. These developments are seen as beneficial for the resistance axis in the Middle East, which includes groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Given the increasing pressures on Hezbollah from Israel, it seems that the Houthis have emerged as a stronger and more effective force in this axis.
The New Position of the Houthis in the Resistance Axis
Following the start of U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran in early 2026, members of the resistance axis responded by targeting sites related to these countries. However, until recently, the Houthis had been sidelined in these conflicts. But with recent military advancements, their power has significantly increased. A research institute announced that these developments have created conditions for establishing a waterway under the control of the resistance axis, which could impact regional oil exports.
Change in the Role of the Houthis and Hezbollah
In Iran, regime-supporting media have published articles praising the successes of the Houthis in controlling territories. One conservative Iranian newspaper wrote that these advancements have increased the political weight of Sana'a (the capital of Yemen) as one of the branches of resistance in regional wars. Meanwhile, supporters of the Iranian government have held gatherings in various cities, chanting slogans in support of the Houthis.
While Hezbollah appears to have less power due to recent Israeli attacks and a reduction of its base in Syria, the Houthis are doing things that Hezbollah has never been able to do, including downing a Saudi F-15 fighter jet using a missile they modified themselves.
Some experts believe that the Houthis have now become a potentially more dangerous and significant force than Hezbollah in the resistance axis. Although the Houthis have not been forced to confront Israel, it seems that their strategic value to Iran has significantly increased.
Some analysts emphasize that the Houthis have their own independent leadership and ideology and cannot be completely controlled by Iran. In the past, the Houthis have acted in some of their military programs without regard to Iran's wishes. However, there is evidence of increasing closeness between the Houthis and Iran, with reports of advanced weapons being sent to them.
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