Secret meeting in Germany on Iran and the Houthis — What is happening?

Military officials from Israel, the United States and Arab countries held a closed-door meeting in Germany. The discussions focused on the war with Iran, security in the Middle East and Houthi attacks. The meeting was organized by US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper. Representatives from Israel, the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt took part in the talks. Although the United States initially announced that it would not directly intervene in the war against the Houthis, it is now holding a closed-door meeting with the military leadership of Israel and Arab countries.

Could this be seen as a change in Washington’s position, and does it increase the possibility of US military intervention in the region?

Commenting on the issue to TodayPress TV, political analyst Abutalib Samadov said that the Houthis’ seizure of control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a very serious problem for the entire world and could lead to oil prices rising to dangerous levels.

He noted that, on the other hand, the Houthis are also approaching Yemen’s oil- and gas-rich areas:

“If these areas are also captured, the Houthis’ economic power will increase tremendously and, naturally, the threat to the region will grow significantly. At such a point, the United States has refrained from conducting military operations against the Houthis. The reason is clear. On the one hand, there were unsuccessful military operations in Iran, and on the other hand, the midterm elections are approaching. There is approximately a month and a half left until the elections.”

The analyst stressed that taking drastic action at this point and launching a major military operation against the Houthis could also have a serious impact on the elections:

“That is why the United States is refraining from military operations. At the same time, however, the United States is seriously losing influence in the region. Regional states are also seriously considering whether there is a need to maintain US military bases at all if the United States does not help them at the most difficult moment.

I believe that despite the talks being held, the United States will not launch military operations against the Houthis. There have already been several such military operations in practice: operations were initially conducted as part of a coalition, and later, during Trump’s presidency, operations were carried out against the Houthis, but no significant result was achieved.”

He believes that no military operation against the Houthis will be conducted, at least until the elections:

“After the elections, the possibility of conducting operations against both Iran and the Houthis as part of a coalition may be discussed. Iran and the Houthis have become a very serious problem for the world. A further increase in oil prices could create serious problems for the global economy. However, I do not think drastic steps will be taken before the elections.”

Jala Rovshan