Iran expands proxy network, targeting Saudi Arabia to stretch US and allies

Iran is reshaping its proxy strategy by coordinating Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia with Iraqi Shia militias, forming a new operational network that stretches from the Gulf to the Red Sea. The recent missile and drone strikes on four Saudi cities injured 73 people and caused temporary shutdowns of energy infrastructure, underscoring Riyadh’s central role as a US ally, oil producer, and regional rival of the Houthis. By expanding the conflict zone, Tehran aims to force the United States to allocate more resources across multiple fronts, raising the political and economic costs of direct pressure on Iran.

The approach also risks reigniting intense fighting in Yemen, where hostilities have surged again, with nearly 180 deaths reported. Simultaneous pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb could disrupt global trade routes, turning a regional dispute into a worldwide commercial crisis. However, the growing autonomy of proxy groups like the Houthis introduces uncertainty about Tehran’s ability to control the broader escalation.