Al Jazara
روایت خاورمیانه 
Saudi Arabia is currently facing new threats from the Yemeni Houthis, who have recently managed to move beyond the front lines that had been stabilized in Yemen since 2022. This group has strengthened its control over one of the world's key energy routes by seizing the large and small Hanish Islands as well as the port city of Mocha in the Red Sea.
Recent Developments and Strategic Importance
Given that the Bab al-Mandab Strait is recognized as one of the vital maritime transport routes, the significance of these developments for Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region has increased. Following the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Houthi allies in Iran in February, this group has been able to open a new front in this tense war. Considering that Iran has managed to limit oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, this Houthi advance could exert more pressure on global fuel prices.
Read more: Iskandar Momeni, Iran's Minister of Interior, has traveled to Ankara
Economic and Military Consequences for Saudi Arabia
The recent attacks on Saudi Arabia's east-west pipelines, which transport about 4% of global oil supply, represent a serious threat to the country. As this pipeline is now shut down and its future status is uncertain, Saudi Arabia faces the risk of encountering threats to both of its export routes. Barah Shayban, a political analyst at the Royal United Services Institute, states that Iran, in collaboration with the Houthis, poses a threat to nearly one-third of the global oil economy.
Shayban added: "Iran knows it cannot win in a conventional war, so it has turned to economic warfare against the world." This situation indicates that Saudi Arabia may need new military options against the Houthis, whether those options are limited or long-term.
The long-standing relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States is also being questioned in this context. Some analysts believe that the U.S. cannot remain a mere observer and will ultimately need to provide at least logistical, intelligence, and tactical support to Saudi Arabia. However, so far, Washington has shown little inclination to engage in conflict with the Houthis.
According to reports, Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, has called for military action against the Houthis in conversations with Donald Trump, the President of the United States, but Trump has declined this request on both occasions. He further stated during his visit to Dublin that the Houthis have also contacted his government and expressed their unwillingness to engage with American forces.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia remains capable of directly confronting Houthi forces. The country has one of the best air forces and air defense networks in the region and has been assisting Yemen's government forces that are fighting against the Houthis for years. Analysts believe that Saudi Arabia still has many options for deterrence and responding to Houthi threats and can either support its allies in the Mecca Pact or act unilaterally.
Read more: Hakan Fidan: Iran's security has a direct impact on regional stability · The Houthis have consolidated control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait in favor of Iran
