Three Reasons the US Wants to Assert Dominance Over Houthis in the Red Sea
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RDA Gulf Correspondent - . March 17, 2025
- . Update: March 17, 2025 2:07 pm
Airstrikes by the US forces against Yemen’s Houthi rebels left at least 53 dead, according to the Houthi-run health ministry. These attacks, starting on Saturday and continuing into Sunday are the largest US military operation in the Middle East since President Donald Trump took office in January.
Washington has threatened to bombard the country until the Houthis quit their onslaught on ships in the Red Sea, a vital artery of global trade. However the Houthis further threaded the escalations by their operations against vessels connected to Israel in condemnation of US actions, Russia and Iran cautioned that consequences may occur to the US actions.
Let’s see the three main reasons why the US wants to show dominance over the Houthis in the Red Sea.
Iran Deterrence:
The Houthis are an important Iranian proxy in the middle east region. By striking the Houthis, the US seeks to undermine Tehran’s regional influence and bolster its hand in nuclear talks.
Maritime Security:
Houthi attacks on commercial vessels threaten global trade. The US strikes aim to secure vital shipping lanes like the Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Geopolitical Signaling:
While China and Russia are strengthening relations with Iran, the US is attempting to reassert its dominance over the Middle East and check the formation of rival alliances.
Airstrikes by Washington display it’s determination to get control in the Red Sea, so that key sea lanes will abide by their dominance and disallow any rival powers from extending a foothold in the region.
