The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have warned other nations against joining Saudi Arabia in Yemen's renewed civil war, whilst assuring the Trump administration they will not attack US vessels in the Red Sea. This warning comes as the Houthis have made rapid military advances down Yemen's western coast and escalated attacks on Saudi targets in response to a coalition airstrike on Sanaa airport, raising concerns that the conflict could expand beyond Yemen's borders into a broader international confrontation.

Houthi political official Mohamed al-Bukhaiti stated that the rebels have the capacity to wage war on multiple fronts and will continue attacks on Saudi Arabia until the kingdom ends its decade-long blockade of rebel-held areas and allows vessels to reach Houthi-controlled ports. The Houthis have seized the strategically important port city of Mokha and Red Sea islands that enable them to monitor shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, through which approximately 12% of global trade normally passes. Indirect US-Houthi communications have been mediated by Oman, building on a 2025 ceasefire between the rebels and the Trump administration, and the US has indicated no intention to become militarily involved this time despite previous bombing campaigns under both administrations.