Middle East Chronicle
Inside Matters
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Beirut
September 19, 2026

Mahad D. Darar

Ph.D. Candidate in Political Science, Colorado State University

Houthi advance boosts Iran’s leverage over the US and Saudi Arabia – but may cost rebel group its legitimacy back in Yemen

Houthi advance boosts Iran’s leverage over the US and Saudi Arabia – but may cost rebel group its legitimacy back in Yemen

Seizure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait complicates a widening conflict in the Persian Gulf. It also risks reigniting Yemen’s civil war.

Mahad D. Darar·19 Sept 2026