None of this is new.  Houthis (for about the past 10 years) limited attacks to French ships.  Don't know why.  They have now decided to attack all ships.  Having successfully forced the Saudis into peace talks.  US did not support the Saudis in their war.  Saudis refused to learn from American advisors who told them this is not how to combat an insurgency.  All part of a slow process where Saudis have been pulling away from American and became more friendly with Russia.

Iran is selling them weapons.  Is not promoting this war.  But is using opportunities to find friends.  Especially since Houthis proved themselves against the Saudis.

It is far more complicated than only summarized.  US tried to negotiate an end.  Houthi rejected all discussion.  Unfortunately not enough countries are also sending warships.

We have a serious problem worldwide.  American influence has serious diminished since no nation wants to deal with an America lead by Trump.   And sees it coming.  Since so many Americans are even saying democracy is bad.

Nations all learned from things that got worse in 2016 through 2020.  Including all but giving the bomb to N Korea and Iran.  Forcing Saudis to go to Russia or Israel for nuclear bomb technology.  Destroying the TPP.  Openly advocating that Russia take over Ukraine in the continuing task of restoring a USSR empire.  Killing a potential American ally from Iran.  And all but installing the Ayatollahs in iran back in power.   American was literally ten minutes away from unilaterially attacking Iran.  Just like George Jr did to Iraq - for no purpose. 

Even Xi in China is now listening to his right wing extremists.  Thanks to Trump (and George Jr), they have now proven to Xi that he must not work with America.  And that China must rule the western Pacific.

This massive loss of American credibility is most obvious in Africa.  Where something like half of Africa is no longer American friendly.  Even South Africa now does combined military exercises with Russia and China.  Even India cannot decide whether to be an America or a Russian friend.

Trump also cancels are nuclear weapons treaties.  So both Russia and China are now rearming in what was once considered a treaty violation.  Houthis are but a tiny part of a much larger problem.  Directly traceable to poor American credibility and trust.  Created by George Jr's lies about Saddam and total mismanagement in Afghanistan.  And that Trump literally insults American allies while openly praising Putin (most obvious in Helsinki).

 

French warships would always go full alert when passing between the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.  Long before 2010.  For some reason, Yemanis did not like the French even longer ago.

Houthis have discovered great popularity by simply justifying missile attacks on any ship as defending Gaza Palestinians.  That disinformation has made their government popular.  A classic example of throwing shit on the wall.  Then watching what sticks.