IRIA News

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Yemen’s Houthis have officially entered the Middle East conflict, claiming responsibility for a missile strike on Israel – their first attack since the start of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.

The attack signals a direct escalation, raising the risk of a broader regional confrontation and further instability for global trade and energy markets.

“The Yemeni Armed Forces … have carried out the first military operation using a barrage of ballistic missiles targeting sensitive Israeli military sites,” Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said in a post on X. He said the strike was conducted in response to what they described as continued escalation across Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, and the Palestinian territories.

“This operation coincided with the heroic operations carried out by the brothers, the fighters in Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the operation successfully achieved its goals,” the Iran-backed group said.

Yemen’s Houthis say they will join the Iran war if:

– Any other countries join the war against Iran.
– The Red Sea is used for “hostile operations” on “Iran or any Muslim country.”
– “The escalation against the Islamic Republic and the resistance axis continues.” pic.twitter.com/G8yYCvT0Nu

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 27, 2026

Houthi militants, who have been engaged in a conflict with Yemen’s internationally-recognized government for nearly two decades, are considered the most powerful of Iran’s non-state allies

Israel Confirms Missile Attack

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that a missile was launched from Yemen toward Israeli territory. According to the military, air defense systems were activated to intercept the threat. Authorities later issued an all-clear, allowing civilians to leave shelters.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage, but the attack underscores the growing geographic scope of the conflict.

Israel has previously faced missile and drone attacks from the Houthis, particularly during earlier phases of regional tensions. However, this marks the group’s first declared strike since the current war began, raising concerns about a coordinated, multi-front escalation.

The strike comes amid a broader conflict that began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. Since then, hostilities have spread across multiple countries, including Lebanon, Yemen, and parts of the Gulf.

On Saturday, Israel said it had carried out a new wave of strikes in Tehran, targeting what it described as infrastructure linked to the Iranian government. Additional strikes were reported in Lebanon, where Israel has resumed operations against Hezbollah.

According to local media, at least three journalists were killed in Lebanon when a media vehicle was hit. A Lebanese soldier was also reported dead. A follow-up strike targeting rescue personnel resulted in further casualties.

Iran, in turn, has continued to launch attacks against Israel and other regional targets. On Friday, an Iranian strike on an air base in Saudi Arabia wounded 12 U.S. military personnel, including two seriously. The incident is being described as one of the most significant breaches of U.S. air defenses so far in the conflict.

US Military Buildup Continues

The United States has increased its military presence in the region, deploying thousands of Marines as part of a broader strategy to maintain operational flexibility.

The first contingent arrived on Friday aboard an amphibious assault ship, with additional forces expected in the coming days. The Pentagon is also preparing to deploy troops from the 82nd Airborne Division.

“U.S. Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 27,” according to a statement posted on X.

U.S. Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 27. The America-class amphibious assault ship serves as the flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group / 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit composed of about… pic.twitter.com/JFWiPBbkd2

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 28, 2026

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington still expects to conclude military operations within weeks. However, he acknowledged that the additional deployments are intended to give President Donald Trump “maximum” flexibility in adjusting strategy.

Despite these statements, the expanding scope of the conflict suggests a more prolonged engagement may be possible.

Threat to Global Shipping and Energy Markets

While the Houthis’ direct military impact on Israel may be limited, their involvement carries significant implications for global trade.

The group has previously demonstrated the ability to disrupt key maritime routes, particularly in the Red Sea. Analysts warn that their entry into the conflict increases the risk of further disruptions in critical chokepoints such as the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

This comes at a time when global shipping is already under strain. Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz following earlier strikes, a move that has severely impacted oil and gas flows.

The waterway is a vital corridor for global energy supplies, accounting for roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

The International Energy Agency has described the current situation as the most severe disruption in the history of the oil market.

Oil prices have surged sharply since the conflict began, with Brent crude rising more than 50 percent. In the United States, fuel prices have also climbed significantly, with diesel in California reaching a record-high average.

Steps Toward Diplomacy

Diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict have so far shown little progress. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose government is hosting talks with Turkish, Saudi and Egyptian officials aimed at reducing tensions. However, there are no indications of an immediate breakthrough.

The foreign ministers of the four countries will hold “in-depth discussions on a range of issues, ​including efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region” during the two-day talks in Islamabad, ​Pakistan’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

Back-channel communications involving Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey are ongoing, but Iranian officials have stated that they are not currently engaged in direct negotiations with Washington. Two individuals familiar with the discussions expressed doubt that formal talks would begin in the near term.

Iran has warned that it will “retaliate strongly if our infrastructure or economic centers are targeted,” signaling continued readiness for escalation.

At the same time, the United States has extended a deadline for Iran to respond to demands related to the Strait of Hormuz, granting an additional 10 days for a decision.

Shipping Routes Under Pressure

The situation in key maritime corridors remains highly unstable. Iranian threats to target vessels in the Strait of Hormuz have deterred most commercial shipping traffic.

Only a limited number of ships have passed through, including vessels flagged by Pakistan and India following assurances from Tehran. Pakistan’s foreign minister said Iran has agreed to allow 20 Pakistan-flagged ships to transit the strait under controlled conditions. Pakistan has been acting as the mediator of negotiations between the US and Iran.

If the Houthis expand their operations, attention is likely to shift to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, another critical chokepoint linking the Red Sea to the Suez Canal. Any disruption there would further strain global supply chains already under pressure.

Domestic and Global Repercussions

The conflict is also beginning to have political consequences beyond the region.

In the United States, protests were reported in multiple cities on Saturday, with demonstrators opposing the war and calling for de-escalation. The conflict has added pressure on President Donald Trump’s administration, particularly amid rising fuel prices and upcoming midterm elections.

Financial markets have reacted with concern, reflecting fears that the conflict could become prolonged and more disruptive.

Meanwhile, concerns are growing over the safety of nuclear infrastructure. Russia’s state nuclear agency confirmed it has evacuated staff from Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, citing risks linked to ongoing strikes.

Outlook Remains Uncertain

The entry of the Houthis into the conflict marks a significant turning point, opening the possibility of a broader, multi-front war across the Middle East.

With military operations intensifying, shipping routes under threat, and diplomatic efforts stalled, the situation remains highly volatile. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the conflict can be contained or continues to expand further across the region.