Yemen’s Houthis say ready to support Iran if needed

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have declared they are fully prepared to join the fight alongside Iran against the US and Israel if their military support is required, according to a report.

An anonymous Houthi leader told Reuters, “We stand fully militarily ready with all options. As for other details having to do with determining zero hour, they are left to leadership… we will know when is the suitable time to move.”

The leader added that Iran is currently “doing well and defeating the enemy every day,” but the Houthis would reassess if circumstances change.

Experts note that if the Houthis open a new front, a likely target could be the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a strategic chokepoint controlling sea traffic to the Suez Canal, following Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.