Iranian Guards Allegedly Directed Houthi Advance on Yemen’s Red Sea Coast

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly provided guidance for a rapid Houthi advance along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, according to Yemeni government, Iranian and regional sources.

The Houthis seized the southwestern port city of Mokha, strengthening their position near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The strategic waterway connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Any disruption could further tighten pressure on global energy supplies, particularly as Iran maintains its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran Allegedly Urged Houthi Escalation

Two Iranian sources said Tehran instructed the Houthis last week to intensify attacks against Saudi Arabia.

They also claimed Iran promised additional funding, weapons and senior military officers to support the campaign.

Iran publicly rejects the description of the Houthis as a proxy force. Tehran says the group is an ally but denies directing its military operations.

A regional diplomat briefed by Tehran said several senior IRGC commanders had traveled to Yemen to help oversee Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia.

However, another Iranian official said the operation against Mokha was a Houthi decision rather than an Iranian order.

Trump Rejects Saudi Request for Strikes on Houthis, Axios Reports

The official added that the offensive nevertheless benefited Iran by increasing pressure on oil prices and placing additional strain on the United States and Saudi Arabia.

Yemeni Sources Point to IRGC Role

Five military sources linked to Yemen’s internationally recognised government said the IRGC directed the latest Houthi campaign along the Red Sea coast.

The offensive began with intense rocket fire across the Tihama, a narrow coastal plain in western Yemen, the sources said.

The Yemeni military sources also cited intercepted communications and statements from captured Houthi fighters.

They claimed the operation was being directed by Abdolreza Shahlaei, a senior IRGC commander associated with the Qods Force.

Iranian sources did not immediately confirm his involvement. However, they have previously said Shahlaei spent time in Yemen.

Weapons Continue to Reach Houthi Areas

Iranian sources said the IRGC has continued moving weapons and personnel into Houthi-controlled areas despite an aerial and maritime blockade.

They did not provide details about how the transfers were carried out.

Yemen analyst Ahmed Nagi of the International Crisis Group said the Mokha operation appeared to have been prepared over a longer period.

He also pointed to the Houthis’ growing use of drones and other advanced weapons.

Nagi said the group’s military development has been linked to weapons obtained either directly from Iran or through smuggling networks.

Saudi Arabia Limits Military Response

As Houthi forces advanced towards Mokha, Yemen’s internationally recognised government asked Saudi Arabia for additional air support and other assistance, according to two Yemeni officials.

The government wanted Saudi aircraft to strike Houthi targets in their northern strongholds. It also sought attacks on strategic assets, including oil facilities and storage sites.

Saudi Arabia instead focused mainly on logistical, weapons and intelligence support, with limited air strikes reported in the northern provinces of Jawf and Marib.

Yemeni officials said Riyadh appeared reluctant to launch a wider campaign against the Houthis.

They believed Saudi authorities feared a major escalation could trigger heavier Houthi drone attacks inside Saudi territory.

Saudi officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the reported military strategy.

Yemen’s Military Situation Remains Uncertain

The wider military situation in Yemen remains difficult to assess after years of reduced fighting.

A ceasefire in 2022 brought a significant pause in major hostilities. However, both Iran and Saudi Arabia have continued supporting forces in Yemen.

The internationally recognised government’s coalition has also faced internal divisions.

Previous battles along the Tihama coast produced rapid gains and retreats. However, analysts say it remains uncertain whether Saudi-backed forces can quickly push the Houthis back from their latest positions.

Nagi said government forces could make gains if Saudi Arabia provides greater support. He added that achieving those gains could prove more difficult this time.

The Houthi advance has therefore increased pressure around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, adding another layer of risk to an already fragile regional energy and shipping environment.