Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels escalated tensions on March 28, 2026, by launching ballistic missile strikes on Israel—their first since the onset of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran—prompting US Central Command airstrikes on Houthi drone sites and radar platforms in Yemen as recently as March 29 to safeguard Red Sea shipping lanes. This marks the Houthis' direct entry into the broader war, following prior US operations like 2025's Rough Rider campaign, amid threats to resume attacks on commercial vessels carrying $1 trillion in annual trade. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated US actions against Iran could conclude within weeks, while US Marines bolster regional presence; traders monitor Houthi retaliation risks, potential Israeli responses, and Pakistan-hosted peace talks for de-escalation signals.