Houthis

Tehran has long sponsored the Houthis in Yemen, which is the last member of Iran's 'axis of resistance' still standing up to Israel. Neither fully trust each other and never have.

Legal classifications will only go so far and may end up hurting more than just the militia. The move could complicate efforts to reach a much-needed political solution in Yemen.

While the potential presence of Houthis in Syria is most likely only symbolic, its implications could be significant. Israel might use this as a justification to ramp up attacks across the region.

Iran as the head of an octopus and its armed proxies as the tentacles. This is a useful analogy for military strategy in the conflict between Tel Aviv and Tehran. Has Israel's strategy changed?

From casual chats to commercial trades and confidential information, the transport and targeting of data under the Red Sea is a major issue. Can the Houthis cripple the world's communications?

Europe's new Aspides maritime operation to safeguard vessels being attacked by Houthis in Yemen has set it on a different course from the US. It needs to sail carefully if it is to succeed.

The hand of Iran has helped the Houthis expand. It now controls Yemen's capital and deep-water port while laying siege to its third city in a land of tribal loyalties and simmering feuds.

Overnight US and UK strikes on Thursday delivered a strong message to the Houthis: their attacks on global shipping in the Red Sea will not go unpunished