What will the winds from Yemen bring to the South Caucasus? — Analysis

The Houthis have made significant advances along Yemen’s Red Sea coast over the past week. They have taken control of the strategic port of Al-Mokha, Perim Island and the Hanish Islands. This has strengthened their position over access to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The shift in the balance of power and the restriction of Iran-aligned groups’ ability to exert influence are significant not only for the Persian Gulf but also for the security environment of the South Caucasus.

But will these developments in the Middle East leave the South Caucasus unaffected?

Speaking to TodayPress TV, political analyst Aydin Tagiyev said that the changing balance of power in Yemen and the restriction of Iran-aligned groups’ ability to exert influence could have strategic consequences not only for the Persian Gulf but also for the South Caucasus:

“The weakening of the positions of the Houthis, who are supported by Iran, limits Tehran’s room for manoeuvre in the Middle East. This could also prompt Iran to act more cautiously in the South Caucasus.”

He believes that by limiting Iran’s influence in the Middle East, developments in Yemen could also alter the geopolitical balance in the South Caucasus and strengthen Azerbaijan’s energy and diplomatic position.

“This means that both the security environment and economic diplomacy are entering a new stage,” the expert concluded.

Jala Rovshan