The Conflict Armament Research (CAR) center, in its latest report, stated that the Houthis in Yemen continue to rely on foreign support, and much of the equipment seized from smuggled arms shipments shows strong links between this group and supply networks connected to the Iranian regime.
The UK-based CAR center, in its September report, wrote that Houthi forces remain dependent on foreign support to strengthen their air defenses and conduct attacks, including against ships in the Red Sea.
In July 2025, CAR investigators documented a sample of a major maritime interdiction by Yemen’s National Resistance Forces of a dhow carrying a large quantity of advanced weapon systems bound for a Houthi-controlled port. 🧵 (1/4) pic.twitter.com/kKAH2v6NQf
— CAR (@conflictarm) September 3, 2025
According to the report, the seizure of a large maritime shipment by Yemen’s National Resistance Forces just two days after the ceasefire between the Iranian regime and Israel was “the largest capture of advanced Iranian conventional weapons” in their history.
The center added that document analysis revealed an unprecedented number of advanced missiles and anti-ship systems, most of which were directly linked to supply networks affiliated with the Iranian regime.
The CAR report also stated that in the shipment’s accompanying documents, which covered an unprecedented scale of various missiles, the contents were listed as “agricultural products, machinery, and chemical fertilizers,” with no mention of weapons.
US Seizes Weapons Shipments Sent by Iran’s Regime to the Houthis
The Iranian regime has consistently denied sending weapons directly to Yemen and insists that the Houthis are capable of producing their own long-range missiles and drones.
On August 14, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the interception of weapons shipments bound for the Houthis, noting that the seizures were carried out by Yemen’s National Resistance Forces.
Warnings from think tanks
The Washington-based Middle East Forum warned, based on the CAR report, that Western—particularly U.S.—strikes on Houthi positions, no matter how precise, will be futile unless Iran’s arms supply lines to the Houthis are cut.
The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) has warned that the Houthis’ technical capabilities are increasing.
The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) also stated that tactical missile interceptions alone cannot address the widening strategic gap.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) highlighted the resilience of the Iranian regime’s smuggling networks, which enable the Houthis to constantly replenish and modernize their arsenal.
