Houthis widen Saudi strikes as Iran hardliners press for Hormuz control

ISW-CTP’s latest update says the Houthis are likely widening their strikes into Saudi Arabia to undermine Riyadh’s Yemen operations and press for concessions, tied to Saudi moves to reroute oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s hardline faction appears to dominate decision-making, with reports of an information operation to shield senior leaders from responsibility for July attacks while seeking to preserve talks with the United States. The United States has intensified pressure with strikes and security support to Saudi forces amid a broader regional contest over shipping and oil routes.