U.S. Strategies and Potential Outcomes

The United States has primarily focused on defending maritime shipping in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks, recognizing the strategic importance of these trade routes. While efforts have included military strikes against Houthi assets, the U.S. has struggled to decisively end Houthi aggression, leading to calls for more aggressive tactics, such as designating the group a terrorist organization. The U.S. might consider different approaches, such as intensifying military operations or supporting Houthi adversaries, but these could lead to protracted conflicts involving other regional powers like Iran and Russia. Ultimately, the interplay of U.S. and Iranian influence over the Houthis poses a risk of escalating into broader geopolitical tensions.