Why have Houthis and Hamas not joined Mideast war on Iran side to target US and Israel yet? Strategic calculations shape Middle East conflict response

Why have Houthis and Hamas not joined Mideast war on Iran side to target US and Israel yet? The question has gained attention as the Middle East war involving Iran, the United States and Israel continues to escalate across several fronts. The Houthis in Yemen and the Palestinian group Hamas are both members of Iran’s regional alliance often described as the “axis of resistance.” Both groups have expressed support for Iran and opposition to the United States and Israel. However, neither group has launched direct large-scale military operations in support of Iran during the current conflict.

In Yemen’s capital Sanaa, tens of thousands of Houthi supporters gather regularly for demonstrations. Protesters carry rifles, daggers and posters of Iran’s late supreme leader Ali Khamenei while chanting slogans against the United States and Israel. The rallies show clear political support for Iran. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi has stated that the group is ready to act if necessary. He told supporters that their “fingers are on the trigger.” Yet no direct order has been issued for large-scale involvement in the war.

Why have Houthis and Hamas not joined Mideast war on Iran side to target US and Israel yet?

One major reason is the risk of strong retaliation from the United States and Israel. Military experts say both groups know that direct involvement could trigger large air strikes on their bases and leadership. Previous Israeli and US attacks have already targeted Houthi leaders and military sites in Yemen. Because of this threat, the group appears cautious about opening another front that could weaken its control over territory.


Another factor is strategic and political calculation. The Houthis are balancing their role in Yemen, where a fragile truce with Saudi-backed forces remains in place. Hamas is also managing the Gaza ceasefire and regional diplomatic pressure. The group recently urged Iran not to target neighbouring Gulf states and called for efforts to stop the wider war. These developments show that both groups are trying to avoid escalation while monitoring how the conflict develops.

Houthi strategy and Red Sea pressure

The issue of Why have Houthis and Hamas not joined Mideast war on Iran side to target US and Israel yet is partly linked to the Houthis’ current strategy in the Red Sea region.

After the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, the Houthis launched missile and drone attacks that slowed shipping in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. These operations disrupted maritime trade and forced shipping companies to change routes.

Insurance costs for vessels increased and global supply chains faced delays. Iran later used a similar strategy in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas shipments.

Energy analysts say oil tankers are now moving toward Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu export terminal on the Red Sea. Pipelines from Saudi Arabia’s eastern oil fields connect to facilities there and supply up to seven million barrels of oil per day to international markets.

Experts say this plan works only if the Houthis do not escalate attacks against oil infrastructure. Analysts warn that a major strike could disrupt energy markets worldwide.

Security analyst Mohammed al-Basha said the Houthis are signalling readiness while avoiding immediate retaliation from the United States or Israel.

Yemen war fatigue and political calculations

Another reason behind Why have Houthis and Hamas not joined Mideast war on Iran side to target US and Israel yet relates to conditions inside Yemen.

The country has faced more than a decade of war. Many residents say they cannot handle another major conflict.

A lawyer in Sanaa told reporters that people cannot afford basic goods such as clothing, food or medical care. According to him, the population is exhausted after years of violence.

The Houthis also maintain a fragile truce with a Saudi-backed coalition since 2022. The ceasefire reduced fighting across Yemen.

Attacking Red Sea oil infrastructure or expanding the war could damage relations with Saudi Arabia. Gulf countries could play a key role in rebuilding Yemen’s economy in the future.

A major escalation could also trigger military retaliation from the United States, Israel and Gulf states.

Hamas calls for restraint in regional conflict

The debate about Why have Houthis and Hamas not joined Mideast war on Iran side to target US and Israel yet also involves Hamas’s recent statements.

Hamas has asked Iran not to target neighbouring Gulf countries. The group called on regional states to cooperate and prevent wider conflict.

At the same time, Hamas supported Iran’s right to defend itself against US and Israeli strikes.

Iran said its attacks target American military installations in the Gulf region. However, some strikes damaged civilian infrastructure.

During the past two weeks, at least 18 people were killed across Gulf states. Six deaths were reported in the United Arab Emirates and six in Kuwait. Oman, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain each reported two deaths.

Hamas receives funding, weapons and political support from Iran. The group previously condemned the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during US-Israeli strikes at the start of the war on 28 February.

However, Hamas is also managing its own conflict with Israel. The group fought a two-year war in Gaza before a ceasefire came into effect last October.

Negotiations continue over later stages of the ceasefire agreement. Both Israel and Hamas accuse each other of repeated violations. Gaza authorities say 649 people have been killed in the territory since the ceasefire began.

These factors explain Why have Houthis and Hamas not joined Mideast war on Iran side to target US and Israel yet despite their alliance with Tehran.

FAQs

Q1. Why have Houthis and Hamas not joined Mideast war on Iran side to target US and Israel yet?
Houthis and Hamas support Iran but avoid escalation due to military risks, Yemen peace talks, Red Sea economic impact, Gaza ceasefire negotiations and the possibility of direct retaliation from the United States and Israel.

Q2. What role do Houthis and Hamas play in the Iran axis of resistance?
Houthis in Yemen and Hamas in Gaza are part of Iran’s axis of resistance. The alliance opposes US and Israeli influence and receives funding, weapons and political support from Tehran.