Former Secretary of State and CIA Director Mike Pompeo warned that Iran is relying on its Houthi allies in Yemen to increase pressure on the United States and Saudi Arabia as part of what he described as a strategy to preserve Tehran’s regime.
Pompeo Warns of Iran-Houthi Strategy
On Wednesday, Pompeo made the remarks in a post on X, arguing that Iran is using the Houthis to escalate regional pressure on Washington and Riyadh.
“Tehran is using its Houthi proxies to raise the stakes for the United States and Saudi Arabia,” he wrote.
He added, “This is a critical part of the regime’s survival strategy, and cannot be allowed to succeed.”
Saudi Arabia Sought US Help as Houthis Advanced
Last week, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly sought military assistance from President Donald Trump against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, but Trump offered intelligence support instead of direct U.S. strikes, Reuters reported.
The Houthis subsequently reportedly seized the Red Sea port of Mocha and reached Perim Island near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, raising concerns over another major energy shipping route as the Strait of Hormuz remained severely disrupted.
The escalation increased pressure on Trump’s efforts to end the Iran conflict, while U.N. officials warned Yemen had entered a “new and more dangerous phase.”
The developments also raised concerns over energy shipments as Saudi Arabia increasingly relied on the Red Sea route.
Iran Conflict Expands Across Middle East
Last month, Trump called off a planned attack on Iran and announced negotiations with Tehran focused on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran had denied asking Trump to halt the attack and said an Oman-backed shipping route did not mean the Strait would reopen.
In July, the Houthis threatened a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia, raising concerns over global energy supplies and shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The Trump administration had also ordered additional strikes on Iranian military targets as ceasefire talks continued, while oil prices had remained elevated amid concerns over disruptions to key shipping routes.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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