Iran-Backed Houthis Attack Saudi Arabia, As Options to End Conflict Appear Limited

The crisis in Yemen is ongoing, but it is also clear that the Houthis are becoming more emboldened as part of their association with the Iranian regime. While Iran denies any involvement with the rebels, the arms found after attacks by the Houthis show that Iran has reached out to influence the events in Yemen.

The latest events in the military conflict between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition supporting the Yemen government is the launch of a ballistic missile from Yemen on May 14. The Saudis have reported that the missile did not reach its target, but instead landed in the desert.

This is not the first time that the Houthis have fired missiles into Saudi Arabia. For many familiars with the region, these attacks are seen as a proxy war between Iran and its old enemy, Saudi Arabia.

While Iran is contributing to the instability of another nation, the Iranian leadership is also facing unrest at home. Protests continue over economic and social issues, as the Iranian regime continues its military operations throughout the region.

The Houthis have also been active in firing missiles at Riyadh, but so far, the damage has been minimal, as the missile fall short or are intercepted by the Saudi air defense forces. While the international community repeatedly encouraged the rebels to not retaliate against the Saudi forces, those appeals have fallen on deaf ears.

The U.S. is also active in trying to address the Yemen crisis. In 2015, for example, a U.S.-backed military alliance intervened to fight against the Houthi rebels on behalf of the internationally recognized Yemen government, which is currently being led by President Abd Rabbu Mansour al-Hadi.

The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) has repeatedly called for the international community to step in and curtail the expansive influence of Iran throughout the Middle East. The NCRI is a coalition of resistance groups who oppose the mullah-led regime in Iran, and who want to create a democratic and free non-nuclear Iran.

With that in mind, the NCRI, Iranians, and their supporters are gathering in Paris on June 30, to show the world a different Iran, one that could be a partner in the global community, as well as throughout the region. What makes this event stand out is that the lawmakers from various political parties and ideologies come together to address the issues regarding Iran and the spread of its influence.

While Yemen continues to struggle with its civil conflict, there is clearly a message that until Iran’s regime is curtailed, these conflicts will continue.