Iran-backed Houthis open third front against Israel as Tehran seeks leverage ahead of talks

Iran-backed Houthis open third front against Israel as Tehran seeks leverage ahead of talks

'It is part of Tehran’s effort to improve its position in negotiations with the US by showing that it still has cards to play beyond Hormuz,' expert says

Houthi terrorists walk over British and U.S. flags at a rally in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and the recent Houthi strikes on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden on Feb. 4, 2024, on the outskirts of Sana'a, Yemen. (Mohammed Hamoud/Getty Images)

Houthi terrorists walk over British and U.S. flags at a rally in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and the recent Houthi strikes on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden on Feb. 4, 2024, on the outskirts of Sana'a, Yemen. (Mohammed Hamoud/Getty Images)

Thousands of people gather at Sabeen Square, under the control of the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, to protest the killing of Iranâs leader Ali Khamenei in U.S. and Israeli airstrikes and to condemn the attacks on Iran, in Sanaa, Yemen on March 06, 2026. (Mohammed Hamoud/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Thousands of people gather at Sabeen Square, under the control of the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, to protest the killing of Iranâs leader Ali Khamenei in U.S. and Israeli airstrikes and to condemn the attacks on Iran, in Sanaa, Yemen on March 06, 2026. (Mohammed Hamoud/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Pro-Iran protesters brandish billboards depicting the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei, flags of Yemen and Iran, weapons, and chant slogans as they take part in a rally held to condemn the US-Israel aerial attacks on Iran and killing the Iranian supreme leader and several military officials on March 1, 2026 in Sana'a, Yemen. (Mohammed Hamoud/Getty Images)

Pro-Iran protesters brandish billboards depicting the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei, flags of Yemen and Iran, weapons, and chant slogans as they take part in a rally held to condemn the US-Israel aerial attacks on Iran and killing the Iranian supreme leader and several military officials on March 1, 2026 in Sana'a, Yemen. (Mohammed Hamoud/Getty Images)

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip, as seen from the city of Ashkelon, Israel, Oct. 9, 2023. (Amir Cohen/Reuters)

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip, as seen from the city of Ashkelon, Israel, Oct. 9, 2023. (Amir Cohen/Reuters)

Support Everyday Chronicle
Global reporting requires independent voices. If you value our coverage, please consider a small contribution to help us grow.
​Click the button below to make a secure donation