The Telegraph: Iran loses control over Houthis

Iran is losing influence over the Houthis in Yemen, causing serious concern in Tehran.

According to The Telegraph, citing Iranian sources, the Houthis have “slipped out of control” and no longer listen to Iran as they once did. Similar problems are also being observed with several Iraqi Shiite groups.

The Houthis remain Tehran’s main proxy force following Israeli strikes on Hezbollah and the isolation of Hamas. To restore lost influence, a senior IRGC commander recently arrived in Sanaa, and Quds Force commander Abdolreza Shahlaei was redeployed to Yemen. The U.S. is seeking Shahlaei, offering $15 million for information on his activities.

The report notes that the Houthis have strengthened their capabilities: they have improved weapons concealment methods, expanded supply channels, and reduced dependence on Iran. The group has increased control over Sanaa, engages in tax collection, smuggling, illegal arms trade, and disrupts shipping in the Red Sea.

Iranian sources acknowledge that Tehran “lost the game” and failed to protect the Houthis during U.S. strikes. IRGC advisers, according to a Defense Line report, were unable to prevent the group’s strategic drift or stabilise its internal divisions. The document states that the Houthis are experiencing a crisis of capabilities and priorities and reflect the “confusion” within Iran itself.

Despite these disagreements, Tehran hopes to regain control. An Iranian official stated that Shahlaei should exert pressure on the Houthis, whom he called the only effective remaining allied group.

By Vugar Khalilov