Through its specialised monthly publication Developments in the Yemeni Landscape, The Yemen and Gulf Centre for Studies (YGCS) examines the most significant political, security, and economic developments related to the Yemeni file over the month, alongside external responses and engagements. This publication forms part of the Centre’s broader research agenda, offering deeper analytical approaches to the Yemeni dossier. It aims to provide decision-makers, researchers, and journalists engaged with Yemeni affairs with a comprehensive, in-depth resource that can support both policy monitoring and informed decision-making. This report complements the Centre’s wider body of research outputs.

The YGCS’s monthly report adopts a dual approach, combining monitoring and analysis to track key developments across the political, security, economic, and external dimensions of the Yemeni file throughout the month. These developments are subsequently analysed within their temporal and contextual frameworks. The most critical of these developments may also be explored in greater depth through the Centre’s additional research outputs, including analytical papers, reports, and strategic assessments.

Executive Summary

In July 2025, Yemen witnessed a range of multi-dimensional developments that vividly reflected the current trajectories of the country’s ongoing crisis. Politically, several dominant trends shaped the dynamics of the Yemeni landscape, most notably the continued mobilisation of pro-legitimacy forces against the Houthis, the mounting tensions with the United Nations mission, both from within the legitimacy camp and from the Houthis themselves, and the rise of public protests in Hadhramaut, driven by deepening socio-economic crises. Meanwhile, the Houthis persisted in instrumentalising the Palestinian cause for political gain.

On the security front, Yemen experienced a series of significant developments. Chief among these was the continued Houthi offensive against Israel, coupled with a renewed wave of Houthi attacks targeting maritime navigation in the Red Sea. In response, Israeli strikes against the Houthis persisted, alongside Israel’s efforts to pressure the United States into resuming its military campaign against them. Additional security-related events included notable escalations in Houthi violations and internal repression, as well as renewed terrorist attacks by al-Qaeda in southern regions.

On the economic front, various international and UN-affiliated organisations continued to sound the alarm over Yemen’s deteriorating economic conditions. This concern coincided with the worsening economic and social crises in Houthi-controlled areas, driven by a series of decisions adopted by the group, marked by intransigence and increasing restrictions on the Yemeni population. These hardships were further compounded by the repercussions of the ongoing escalation with Israel. Meanwhile, Yemen saw a sharp intensification of the monetary and financial rivalry between the Houthis and the internationally recognised Yemeni government.

Externally, international engagement with the Yemeni file in July was dominated by widespread condemnation of the Houthis' attacks on maritime navigation in the Red Sea. The United States pursued further measures to tighten pressure on the group, while the United Nations renewed the mandate of its Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement.