Former U.S. Official: Houthi Re-designation as Terrorist Group Sends Early Message Against Iran
A former U.S. official has stated that the re-designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization is an early message from the Trump administration aimed at Iran.

David Schenker, who served as the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs under President Trump, explained that this move reflects a clear American stance against one of Iran’s proxy forces in the Middle East. Schenker also dismissed the possibility that this re-designation would positively affect the Houthis' behavior, emphasizing that it signals Washington’s disinterest in pursuing a negotiation policy with Iran in the near future.

In a related statement, the White House noted that President Trump had directed the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to sever ties with entities that provided funds to the Houthis or that opposed international efforts to combat them and ignored their acts of terrorism and violations.

According to White House sources, the re-designation of the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization will lead to a comprehensive review of the partners of the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, and contractors operating in Yemen.

Observers note that this move by the U.S. administration comes under different circumstances compared to previous actions. The re-designation coincides with significant developments in the Houthis' military capabilities, as they have expanded the scope of their threats to include international trade routes in the Red Sea, including posing a threat to Israel, a key regional ally of the United States.

Also read

Comments