Yemeni security and intelligence analyst Mohammed Basha says Iran-allied Houthi forces aim to control all of Yemen and obtain recognition as the country’s legitimate government. He says they want control of resources, airspace and seaports and intend to negotiate with other Yemeni parties only after securing recognition. Basha adds that, even if the Houthis seize the country, they would demand tens of billions of dollars in compensation and reconstruction from Saudi Arabia and could press for fu

Yemeni security and intelligence analyst Mohammed Basha says Iran-allied Houthi forces aim to control all of Yemen and obtain recognition as the country’s legitimate government. He says they want control of resources, airspace and seaports and intend to negotiate with other Yemeni parties only after securing recognition. Basha adds that, even if the Houthis seize the country, they would demand tens of billions of dollars in compensation and reconstruction from Saudi Arabia and could press for further payments. He says Iran likely provides advisers and exerts pressure but does not fully control the Houthis; the group could survive without Iranian support.