The deterioration of the situation in Yemen has increasingly highlighted the color of sectarian strife in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, which is dominated by Sunnis, and Iran, a Shiite regime, are playing or will play a leading role in this game. Yemen is a traditional Islamic country, with 53% Sunnis and 47% Shiites among Muslims. Based on the fact that the two factions are basically evenly matched, Yemen may become the object of contention between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
As a close neighbor, Yemen has always had close relations with Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia, a country rich in oil and financial resources, has always been the "gold master" of poor Yemen, and Sunni-ruled Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates often give generously to help Yemen. The influence of Gulf Arab countries on Yemen can be seen. The process of national reconciliation dialogue in Yemen began in May 20 12, and was initiated according to the mediation agreement of the Gulf Cooperation Council. In June 5438+10 last year, after the Shiite Houthi armed forces seized control of Sana 'a, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries temporarily suspended their financial assistance to Yemen. After Hadi fled to Aden, Gulf countries moved their embassies and consulates out of Sana 'a to show their support. Saudi Arabia not only accepted Hardy's refuge, but also quickly formed the Arab Coalition forces and began air strikes against Houthi armed forces. Saudi Arabia is also deploying heavy troops in the border area with Yemen, ready to launch a ground attack.
It seems that the relationship between Iran and Houthi armed forces is not as close as that between Sunni countries such as Saudi Arabia and Hadi regime, but the doctrinal proximity between Iran and Yemeni Houthi armed forces will inevitably make the relationship between them ambiguous. After Saudi Arabia led the Arab Coalition forces to carry out air strikes across the border, they were immediately strongly condemned by Iran.