Houthis divided amid Iran push for revival of Red Sea front

Iran is said to be pressing the Houthis in Yemen to prepare for a renewed and broadened campaign against Red Sea maritime routes, Bloomberg reported overnight, citing European officials familiar with the details. The move is reportedly linked to Iranian preparations for a possible escalation with the United States.

The report said Houthi leaders are weighing more aggressive courses of action after launching a ballistic missile toward Israel last Thursday. Still, a deep rift within the movement over how far to engage in the regional war has, for now, delayed broader escalation.

European officials noted that divisions within the Houthi leadership have manifested as a power struggle between an extreme faction pushing for unprecedented, expansive attacks and more moderate factions cautioning against the potential repercussions of such a strategy. The officials said the strike on Israel was not intended to mark the beginning of a wider offensive, but rather served as a “compromise” between the two factions.

Meanwhile, U.S. and Saudi officials have told European allies they assess that the Houthis are still seeking, at this stage, to avoid direct confrontation and strikes on U.S. or Saudi assets.

One official cautioned, however, that specific scenarios – such as a U.S. attempt to take control of strategic sites like Kharg Island – could trigger a significant broadening of Houthi activity.

The West is closely monitoring the rebels’ next moves, with the key question remaining as to whether pressure from Tehran will tip the balance in favor of the extremist faction, prompting a broader maritime and aerial escalation with implications for global trade and regional stability.