Fears that New Zealand's military involvement in the fight against Houthi rebels in Yemen could close diplomatic doors.  

Six personnel are being deployed to the Red Sea to support coalition forces carrying out precision attacks on Iran-backed groups who have been attacking commercial shipping. 

Geopolitical Analyst Geoffrey Miller says several US presidents have bombed Yemen and haven't solved the problem.  

He told Roman Travers that the Houthi attacks are tied to the war in Gaza and that should be our focus.  

Miller says New Zealand would be better served in assisting in diplomacy to get a ceasefire.  

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the two issues shouldn't be conflated.   

LISTEN ABOVE 

• 'Stay out': Labour, Greens warn of escalating risks as Govt deploys military to Red Sea
• NZ sending Defence Force team to Middle East to provide maritime security in Red Sea
• War in Gaza is "an excuse" for Houthis - Judith Collins