Houthis join Iran war, risking dual chokepoint crisis and prolonged global energy shock
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have entered the month-old Middle East conflict with missile launches towards Israel, raising the prospect of renewed attacks on commercial shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and compounding disruptions already caused by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The development comes as the United States continues to reinforce its military presence in the region with additional Marines and airborne troops, even as diplomatic efforts involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt seek to open channels for de-escalation. Iran has expressed scepticism about these initiatives, while oil prices remain elevated amid fears that simultaneous…