The Inside Story Podcast What difference will the Houthis' involvement in the Iran war make?
11 snips
Mar 29, 2026 
Michael Mulroy, former US Defense official and ex-CIA paramilitary, offers a security and military perspective. Hisham Al-Omeisy, Yemen adviser, explains Houthi motives and tactics. H A Hellyer, Middle East security analyst, unpacks militia-state ties and regional strategy. They discuss Houthi timing, threats to Red Sea shipping, risks to Israel and US forces, and potential global trade fallout.
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Houthis Open Front To Support Axis Of Resistance
- The Houthis opened a new front to relieve pressure on other Iran-aligned groups and signal deterrence.
- Hisham Al-Omeisy links their attacks to retaliation for strikes on Iranian infrastructure and to supporting the axis of resistance.
Bab al-Mandeb Closure Would Radiate Global Economic Pain
- Disrupting the Bab al-Mandeb would drastically amplify global economic pain.
- Michael Mulroy warns closing the strait compounds existing economic shocks and deters insurers and shipping firms even if militarily countered.
Houthis Are Allied With Iran But Retain Agency
- Houthi alignment with Iran is strong but not absolute control.
- H.A. Hellyer notes militias like Hezbollah and the Houthis have domestic agendas and don't obey Tehran as a simple command chain.