Russia Could Support Houthis If Iran's Regional Influence Wane
Russia may step in to support the Houthis in Yemen if Iran's resources decline, utilizing a model of proxy backing that avoids a direct conflict with the US.
Russia May Support Houthis If Iran's Resources Wane, Says Analyst
Russia could help sustain the Houthis in Yemen if Iran's ability to support them diminishes, according to Anna Borshchevskaya, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, speaking to Iran International. She noted that Moscow has previously provided intelligence and data to the Houthi movement, acting as a lifeline for their activities in the Bab el-Mandeb strait and the Middle East.
Reports indicate that Iran mediated secret talks between Russia and the Houthis regarding the transfer of advanced anti-ship missiles. While Moscow aims to avoid a direct military confrontation with the United States, its partnership with Tehran is driven by a shared desire to reduce American influence in the region.
Regional Pressures and the Russia-Iran Axis
Iran's regional network is currently facing severe pressure, marked by the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria and significant losses faced by "Хезболла" against Israel. Borshchevskaya stated that past Russian assistance to the Houthis serves as a model for how Moscow can support Iran's proxies without crossing red lines with Washington.
"Russia will do a lot to support this regime. I don't think they will go far enough to risk a direct military confrontation with the United States, but nor will they sit on their hands." — Anna Borshchevskaya
Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran has deepened, with Iran supplying Shahed drones in exchange for advanced military technology and equipment. Both nations continue to coordinate closely to counter Western influence across the Middle East.
