Houthis, Iran, and the Saudi-Yemen Conflict: A Proxy War or Internal Struggle?

The Yemeni conflict, involving the Houthis, Iran, and the Saudi-led coalition, represents one of the most complex geopolitical crises in the Middle East. This research article examines whether the conflict is primarily a proxy war between regional powers-Saudi Arabia and Iran-or an internal struggle rooted in Yemen’s political, social, and economic grievances. The paper explores the historical rise of the Houthis, their relationship with Iran, and the motivations behind Saudi Arabia’s intervention. It further analyses how ideological and sectarian factors, external interventions, and regional power struggles have shaped the conflict. The findings indicate that while external actors have played a significant role in escalating the war, the conflict remains deeply rooted in Yemen’s internal political fragmentation, governance failures, and socio-economic inequalities. The study draws lessons on the nature of proxy wars and internal conflicts in the broader Middle Eastern context, offering policy recommendations for peacebuilding, regional stability, and conflict resolution.