Russia’s Houthi support could expand if Iran becomes less able to sustain the Yemeni group, Anna Borshchevskaya, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, says.
Borshchevskaya told Iran International that Moscow had already provided intelligence and other assistance to the Iran-aligned Houthis.
She said that previous cooperation could offer a model for continued support if Tehran’s resources come under greater pressure. Her comments came as the Houthis expanded their position near the Bab el-Mandeb shipping route.
The group reached the strategic island of Perim after Yemeni government forces withdrew and also took the nearby mainland town of Dhubab.
The Houthis have attacked commercial shipping in the Red Sea since late 2023. Previous reports indicated that Russia supplied targeting data and satellite intelligence used in attacks on Western vessels.
Iran also brokered talks between Russia and the Houthis over a possible transfer of advanced anti-ship missiles, while Russian actors explored potential weapons sales.
Read: Russia Reportedly Aids Iran Supersonic Missile Program
Borshchevskaya said she did not expect Moscow to risk direct military confrontation with the United States. However, she argued that Russia could continue providing assistance short of that threshold.
Iran’s regional network has faced mounting pressure following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria and losses suffered by Hezbollah.
Read: Yemen Houthis Seize Mokha Port as Red Sea Risks Rise
Borshchevskaya said there was little evidence that Russia was assuming the wider financial burden of Tehran’s regional partners.
