The Fox News Rundown Houthi Terror Group Opens Third Front In War Against Iran
Mar 31, 2026
Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the Iran Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, provides expert analysis on Iran and its proxies. He unpacks the Houthis' missile and anti-ship capabilities. He discusses timing and coordination with Tehran. He explains the strategic risks to Red Sea shipping and Iran's internal power shifts.
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Houthis Field Advanced Missiles And Drones
- The Houthis are a highly militarized Iranian proxy with capabilities beyond many states and NATO partners.
- Behnam Ben Taleblu cites their anti-ship ballistic missiles, medium-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones as force multipliers under multi-front cover.
Houthis Could Shift Conflict Toward Economic Targets
- The Houthis' entry may be incremental pressure coordinated with Iran to shift the war toward economic disruption.
- Ben Taleblu explains they could aim to resume Red Sea attacks to magnify effects of any Persian Gulf disruptions like closing the Strait of Hormuz.
Waterways Hold Outsized Economic Leverage
- Control of the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz threatens global trade and energy flows, not just oil.
- Ben Taleblu notes one-fifth of seaborne oil passes Hormuz and adds fertilizer, helium, and consumer goods would face delays and higher insurance costs.