Missiles fly. Militias strike. But one force is waiting. Why haven’t the Houthis entered the war — yet?
Hezbollah and Iraqi Militias Escalate Strikes, but Houthis Stay on Sidelines as US Carrier Nears Red Sea.
As the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Tehran enters its second week, Iran’s network of regional militias has stepped up attacks — but stopped short of unleashing a coordinated, all-out confrontation.
Analysts say that restraint may be deliberate.
Across Lebanon, Iraq and Syria, Iranian-backed groups have fired missiles and drones at Israeli targets and U.S. facilities. Hezbollah moved early, launching attacks after the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iraqi Shia militias have struck U.S. diplomatic and military sites, including in Baghdad and Jordan.
Yet the Yemen-based Houthis — among the most heavily armed and battle-hardened of Iran’s allies — have not reopened hostilities against American or Israeli targets since the current phase of the war began.
