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3. A Conflict Driven by External Powers?

Yemen, the stage of a multifaceted conflict, is at the heart of geopolitical rivalries that extend beyond its borders. Between deep internal divisions, regional interventions and the involvement of foreign powers, the situation is more complex than ever. While the country struggles to overcome its North-South fractures, it is also becoming a battleground between Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Iran.

Yemen’s internal fractures are not just a national issue, they have major implications for regional stability and international politics. These divisions complicate peace efforts, fuel geopolitical rivalries and continue to affect millions of civilians, trapped in a seemingly endless conflict.

Increased Saudi and Emirati Influence

Saudi Arabia, concerned with securing its southern border, has long sought to control Yemen’s internal dynamics. Since 2015, Riyadh has led a military coalition to support the internationally recognized government against the Houthis, who control the capital Sanaa. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates actively supports the Southern Transitional Council (STC), aiming to increase its strategic influence over Yemen’s ports, particularly Aden and Socotra. These interventions occur in a context where regional interests diverge and sometimes oppose one another.

According to analyst Michael Knights, “Yemen is a geopolitical chessboard where Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are playing divergent, sometimes even contradictory, strategies.” This rivalry reflects a desire for control over the country’s strategic resources, especially the crucial maritime trade routes in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, essential for international trade. However, the intensification of this geopolitical competition often comes at the expense of Yemeni civilians, who suffer from bombings and blockades.

Iranian Interference

While Saudi Arabia and the UAE seek to expand their influence, Iran capitalizes on internal divisions to indirectly support the Houthis, providing them with weapons and logistical aid. This Iranian involvement has fueled a growing rivalry between Riyadh and Tehran, turning Yemen into a true proxy battleground in the Middle East power struggle.

According to the work of Nadwa al-Dawsari, a researcher at the Middle East Institute, “The Houthis use Iranian support as leverage, but their strategy remains fundamentally rooted in local dynamics, not dictated by Tehran.” This suggests that although Iran plays a key role, the Houthi rebellion is primarily a product of internal frustrations, particularly related to discrimination and a sense of political and economic isolation within the country.

Sustained Regional Instability

Yemen’s internal tensions complicate diplomatic initiatives. UN-led negotiations have struggled to succeed due to the divergent interests of local and international actors. The UN has attempted to promote an inclusive political solution, but these efforts have been hindered by deep divisions, both between the North and South and among regional powers, who do not hesitate to block initiatives that do not serve their strategic interests.

As analyst Helen Lackner points out, “As long as the North-South divisions persist, any political solution remains fragile and subject to recurrent collapses.” The battles for control of key territories, such as the port of Aden, illustrate this dynamic well. Indeed, these divisions between the central government and the Southern Transitional Council fuel a parallel internal war, further weakening the possibility of lasting peace.