The fact that the situation is currently very low-level as compared to the worst-case scenarios of regional war gives rise to hopes for its containment.
Ministers in London have argued that the US and UK attacks on the Houthis in Yemen are justifiable on the grounds of global trade and freedom of navigation.
They are a direct consequence of what is happening in Gaza and signify a worsening of the situation that the area is experiencing.
Without delay, the Houthis pledged to take action. Furthermore, there’s a good chance that pro-Iranian militias in Syria and Iraq may start acting more aggressively against US forces stationed there.
It will be more difficult for US diplomacy efforts to prevent an all-out war if that theater becomes more heated and US military retaliate.