North Korea & Houthis

North Korea: North Korea is mentioned as a security ally of Russia, but has no direct role in the Arctic voyage.

Houthis: Houthi attacks on vessels in the Bab-el-Mandeb disrupted Suez traffic, indirectly driving interest in Arctic routes.

North Korea: North Korea is observing the conflict, which may affect its calculations regarding US military capabilities.

Houthis: Houthis have attacked Saudi oil facilities and shipping, expanding the conflict and disrupting Red Sea trade.

North Korea: North Korea's potential involvement in supplying weapons to Iran is being monitored, though no signs have been found. Its foreign ministry has condemned US-Israeli attacks, indicating its alignment in the broader geopolitical landscape.

Houthis: The Houthis in Yemen claimed to have carried out missile and drone attacks against Israel.

North Korea: Mentioned for comparison in freedom indexes.

Houthis: Attacks on shipping increase demand for secure routes through Eritrea.

North Korea: North Korea condemned the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran as an 'illegal act of aggression' and a violation of sovereignty.

Houthis: The Houthis, an Iranian proxy, have seen their network weakened by Israeli and US attacks and vowed to resume attacks on Red Sea shipping routes and Israel.