US- Yemen - Israel escalation - Catching fire
Introduction
With escalating strikes of US and its allies is drifting towards a broader conflict. Israel has already shared the intent to attack Iran nuclear site and vice-versa.
International powers might intervene in the escalating Israel-Houthi conflict through a mix of military, diplomatic, and economic strategies
International powers involvement
Military Measures
The U.S. and allies could increase strikes on Houthi missile and drone capabilities to protect Red Sea shipping lanes and deter attacks.
Diplomatic Efforts
Leveraging the UN and third-party mediators to push for ceasefires, peace negotiations, and sanctions on Houthi backers like Iran and Russia could de-escalate tensions.
Economic Pressure
Sanctions or incentives could target Houthi leadership to encourage moderation, while international coalitions work to stabilize Yemen’s economy
Shopping route through Red Sea
The escalating conflict in Yemen, particularly Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping, could have severe global shipping impacts:
Rerouted Trade Routes
Many ships are avoiding the Red Sea and Suez Canal, opting for the Cape of Good Hope, which increases transit times by two weeks and raises costs by up to $1 million per trip.
Rising Freight Costs
Freight rates from Asia to Europe have more than doubled, impacting supply chains and consumer prices globally.
Energy Supply Risks
Disruption threatens oil and LNG transit, potentially driving up energy prices.
Economic Strain
Egypt faces lost Suez Canal revenue, while Europe and China experience trade slowdowns.
Iran and Russia involvement quite imminent
The involvement of Iran and Russia in the Israel-Houthi conflict could significantly alter its dynamics
Military Escalation
Iran’s support for the Houthis, combined with Russia’s advanced weaponry and coordination, could embolden Houthi attacks on Israel and regional shipping lanes, escalating tensions across the Middle East.
Proxy Conflict Expansion
Russia and Iran may use the conflict to challenge U.S. influence in the region, creating a broader proxy war that spans from Ukraine to the Middle East.
Diplomatic Complexity
Their involvement could hinder international mediation efforts, as both nations seek to counterbalance Western alliances and protect their strategic interests.
Iran drones - Shahed -136
Iran drones are successfully tested and being used in Ukraine war.
They are significantly impacting the Ukraine war by providing Russia with cost-effective tools to strike critical infrastructure and overwhelm Ukrainian defenses.
These drones, such as the Shahed-136, are used in mass attacks, targeting power grids and military assets, forcing Ukraine to expend expensive air defense resources.
This dynamic highlights the growing role of cheap, mass-produced drones in modern warfare, shifting strategies globally.
Additionally, Iran is using Ukraine as a testing ground to refine its drone technology, potentially enhancing its capabilities for future conflicts involving its allies like Hezbollah and the Houthis
Conclusion
All these conflicts are happening at the wrong or right time as within a month Trumps takes office. He had already warned Hamas return of hostages.
US also put $10 million reward for arrest of HTS leader, Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa. It’s quite evident this strategy is to destabilizes Syria and counter the growing influence of Turkey of hostile takeover through HTS.
US with 2000 troops supporting SDF certainty does not want to loose control of the region whereas EU and other nations are making all possible effort to rebuild Syria cautiously.
