Iran Expands Regional Influence Through Proxies Amidst Shifting Alliances

Iran is reportedly intensifying pressure on Saudi Arabia and its US-allied Gulf partners by leveraging its network of proxies, particularly the Houthis in Yemen and Iran-aligned militias in Iraq. This strategy emerges as key Iranian allies like Hamas and Hezbollah have sustained significant damage since October 7, 2023. According to AP, cooperation between these groups has reached new levels, with the Houthis allegedly assisting Iraqi militias in planning and executing a two-day drone swarm attack on Saudi oil facilities in July. Sources indicate Houthi representatives even operated from an Iraqi militia command center during the operation.

For decades, Iran has cultivated armed organizations around Israel, but recent conflicts have weakened groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. Now, Iran is reportedly using the Houthis and Iraqi militias to open a new front of pressure against Gulf states, aiming to raise the cost of the conflict initiated by the US and Israel against Iran. An advisor to the Iranian Parliament speaker described this as a "hybrid strategy" in the current war, utilizing multiple fronts and tools.

The connection between the Houthis and Iraqi militias has strengthened since the Gaza war began, with coordinated attacks against Israel. Experts note that the Houthis' growing capabilities have opened new avenues for Iraqi groups, leading to an exchange of military knowledge and experience. This pressure on Saudi Arabia is multifaceted, with the Houthis conducting over a dozen attacks on Saudi oil facilities and tankers since late July, demonstrating their ability to disrupt shipping routes even in the Red Sea, far from their usual operational areas.

However, this Iranian maneuver carries risks. Iraq has ordered its militias to disarm, and Saudi Arabia could be drawn back into a wider conflict in Yemen. Analysts warn that a full-scale war in Yemen may be imminent, with uncertain consequences. Meanwhile, in a separate development, relations between Israel and the UK have reached a historic low following Britain's imposition of sanctions on products from West Bank settlements. Israel retaliated by closing the British consulate in Jerusalem and halting British teams training Palestinian security forces.