Yemen

The US views talks with the Houthis as a way to contain the scope of the conflict with Iran, while Tehran sees them as a means to translate military gains in the Red Sea into political gains

Just as Iran used Hezbollah to expand its influence in the Levant, it is now using the Houthis to give it leverage in Bab al-Mandab and the Red Sea amid its war with the US

Backed by the IRGC, the Houthis are intensifying pressure around southwestern Taiz, northern Lahj and Marib, while pro-government forces are largely on the defence

The presence of large armies and costly bases no longer guarantees control. The rules are now written by whoever has the will and the accessible means to enforce them

Some analysts say Houthi advances are only possible due to help from the IRGC, while others believe the group has evolved into a much more sophisticated and potent force

The Iran-backed group may appear to have the upper hand at the moment, but they are already struggling to hold their newly acquired territory

After rapid advances, the Yemeni rebel group is fortifying its positions along the vital maritime chokepoint, while intensifying pressure in southwestern Taiz, northern Lahj, and Marib

The Iran-backed militia has seized most of western Yemen to effectively control the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the gateway to the Red Sea and therefore the Suez Canal

The Iran-backed group's effective takeover of Yemen's western coast comes with serious regional and global implications. The world needs to act.