The Yemen war, which is currently taking place under the leadership of the Houthis, has created further complexities in Iran-US relations. Instead of continuing Iran's war, the Houthis are conducting their own war and are financing it using Iranian resources. The Houthis' demands on September 8 are the same as those they have raised since the rejection of the UN roadmap in 2023.
Details of the Roadmap
The UN roadmap includes ending Saudi military operations in Yemen, lifting restrictions on ports and airports controlled by the Houthis, paying overdue salaries to officials, and war reparations. One of the confirmed operations in which Iran is involved is the attack on Mocha and the Hanish Islands, led by Quds Force commander Abdulrazak Shahlaei. This operation allows the Houthis to take control of the coasts.
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Diplomatic Meetings and Houthi Positions
Last week, US officials met with Houthi representatives at the US embassy in Muscat. In this meeting, Houthi representatives informed US officials that they do not intend to attack American ships and are committed to the ceasefire agreement signed with Washington in May 2025. There are also reports that the Houthis have pledged not to attack Israeli ships or other commercial vessels, while only targeting Saudi ships.
This indicates a bilateral war that the Houthis are actively trying to prevent from escalating. However, the Houthis' demands remain negotiable, and the Saudis have previously agreed to matters close to these demands. But the conditions of the war have changed now and are no longer like those in 2023.
Impacts of Recent Attacks in Saudi Arabia
On September 8, Houthi missiles and drones attacked oil facilities and public services in four southern Saudi cities, including Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran. These attacks resulted in fires and injuries to 73 people, and also temporarily halted some operations. The Saudi Ministry of Energy confirmed these fires and the cessation of operations.
Overall, the Houthis have managed to prevent the United States from entering this war by controlling the coasts and strategic facilities. Meanwhile, the Yemeni government has completely lost control of the coasts, and UAE-backed forces are returning to the scene.
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