The Wall Street Journal, citing Saudi and anti-Houthi alliance intelligence
sources, reports Iran has provided targeting, intelligence, training and
tactical guidance that enabled the Houthis to carry out their most lethal,
technically advanced strikes to date against Saudi Arabia and its Yemeni allies,
including targeting for drone and missile attacks. Iranian support has helped
the Houthis expand swiftly and now control the Yemeni coastline on the Bab
al-Mandeb, a choke point for Saudi oil exports. The Houthis have struck Saudi
tankers, energy facilities and airports; a weekend attack on Riyadh killed at
least 13. Tehran reportedly uses traditional dhows to smuggle weapons and has
deployed IRGC and Hezbollah personnel to Yemen to train Houthis to assemble and
improve the effectiveness of missiles and drones. The assistance underlines
Iran’s ability to pressure the region via proxy forces and complicates President
Trump and Gulf allies’ efforts to end the conflict on favorable terms.
