Yemen: Houthi Threats Worry Washington… When Will It Intervene Militarily?
- 2026-10-22
- 13:29:04
Washington – Houthi threats are putting the United States to the test in protecting its citizens and interests in the Middle East, amid growing American concern over the expansion of attacks and fears that a response could lead to a wider confrontation extending beyond Yemen's borders.
In an interview, Frank Mesmar, president of the University of Maryland Advisory Council, stated that Washington currently prefers logistical support, while keeping limited intervention an option if attacks on airports, energy facilities, and infrastructure linked to global trade escalate.
Mesmar ruled out a large-scale military operation at this stage, believing that the US administration does not want to incur new military and political costs "unless absolutely necessary."
Airports Expand the Circle of Danger
Mesmar pointed to US warnings to citizens in Saudi Arabia, followed by warnings covering nine other countries, amid concerns about escalating security developments.
He identified two factors that could further complicate the situation: reports of logistical and military support from Houthi-affiliated individuals in Iraq, and the increasing targeting of airports, which puts travelers of multiple nationalities at risk.
He spoke about the killing of an American in the King Khalid Airport incident, warning of the possibility of further American casualties if the attacks continue.
He linked this to the question of American priorities: Does Washington want to expand its operations related to Iran to include another geographical area and strait, or is it content with strengthening protection and supporting its partners?
Three Levels of Action
Mismar divided the American options into three phases, beginning with existing logistical support, noting the presence of 200 experts from the US Central Command (CENTCOM) in Saudi Arabia, in addition to satellite support and other capabilities.
The second phase involves limited intervention if the situation deteriorates and attacks on airports, energy sources, and infrastructure continue, threatening global trade and increasing the likelihood of casualties.
He explained that this intervention aims to restore balance and assess the situation, while a full-scale war remains unlikely, in his estimation, due to the cost and political timing.
The Houthis in Iranian Calculations
Mismar observed that the Houthis retain offensive capabilities, while other Iranian proxies have weakened. He pointed to the blows suffered by Hezbollah, Tehran's loss of the Syrian front and its land route to Lebanon, and the Iraqi government's measures to consolidate weapons under state control, according to his analysis.
He believes that Iran seeks to shift the confrontation beyond its borders and complicate matters through the Houthis and others to alleviate the pressures it faces. Washington, he noted, is aware of these calculations and is trying to avoid being drawn into them.
He also linked Iranian actions to the American political climate and the post-election period, suggesting that Tehran might seek to accelerate escalation to influence the administration's choices.
Alliances to Protect Interests
According to Mismar, the United States is pursuing a role based on "maritime balance" and protecting its interests in the straits and energy sectors, while avoiding full-scale involvement as the sole security guarantor for the region.
He pointed to Egyptian moves related to the possibility of Saudi Arabia requesting intervention, and to a Saudi rapprochement with Turkey and Pakistan, suggesting that the region is moving towards decentralized alliances governed more by interests than ideology.
He anticipated the expansion of these arrangements with American support, and believed that Saudi Arabia was capable of defending its territory based on its own capabilities, American logistical assistance, and its new partnerships.
The Economy and the Time Blockade
Mismar considered that sanctions and the economic embargo were placing the Iranian regime under increasing pressure, suggesting that their continuation would lead to its downfall, even without American intervention. He linked this assessment to the difficulty of becoming independent of oil and integrating into the global economy.
He rejected the notion that vast geography and borders guaranteed resilience, pointing out that the Caspian Sea is enclosed and that the relationships of surrounding countries are not based solely on alliances with Iran.
He believed that pressure on the Strait of Hormuz was further isolating Tehran and pushing it to mobilize the Houthis. However, he predicted that Washington would continue to support Saudi Arabia and its partners, while retaining the option of limited intervention should developments necessitate it.