Why Saudi Arabia has few options in its conflict with the Houthis

Live updates

1. 22h ago

   Saudi Arabia Seeks Israeli Intelligence as Houthi Advance Threatens Red Sea

   Saudi Arabia is running out of military options to counter Houthi advances that now threaten oil exports and Red Sea shipping. After the United States and Pakistan refused to engage in direct combat against the Houthis, Riyadh has reportedly turned to Israel for intelligence support. The Houthis have seized the Bab al-Mandeb strait, disrupting established shipping channels and forcing neighboring nations like Somalia to rethink trade routes. This escalation puts pressure on Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 as military aid from the U.S. declines.

   Why it matters

   The conflict in Yemen has shifted as Saudi-backed forces collapse, allowing the Houthis to gain strategic control over maritime chokepoints. Control of the Bab al-Mandeb strait allows the Houthis to influence global trade and energy security. This shift forces Gulf states to choose between escalation or diplomatic concessions.

   What is confirmed

   • The Houthis have seized the Bab al-Mandeb strait.
   • Houthi advances are disrupting Red Sea shipping routes and Saudi oil exports.
   • The United States has declined to provide military aid to Saudi Arabia regarding the Yemen war.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Saudi Arabia is seeking Israeli intelligence support after Pakistan refused direct combat in Yemen.
   • Sanaa airport runway was bombed to stop a plane carrying Houthis.
   • Saudi-backed forces in Yemen have collapsed.

   What to watch next

   • Formal confirmation of intelligence sharing between Saudi Arabia and Israel
   • Further Houthi movements toward the historic port of Mokha
   • Official responses from Gulf states regarding the loss of Bab al-Mandeb
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. The Atlantic — Trump Loses the Other Strait
   2. Reuters — Houthi advance in Yemen puts U.S. in a new bind
   3. Al Jazeera — Iran war live: Saudi Arabia and Houthis trade strikes over Bab al-Mandeb
   4. The New York Times — Why Mokha, Historic Port That Shaped the Coffee Trade, Is a Prize in Yemen’s War
   5. CNN — Why Saudi Arabia has few options in its conflict with the Houthis
   6. تسنیم — Ansarullah Advances Expose Collapse of Saudi-Backed Forces in Yemen
   7. Crescent International — As Washington Counts Pieces, the Axis of Resistance Controls the Board
   8. ua.news — In Yemen, Sanaa airport runway bombed to stop plane carrying Houthis
   9. The Hindu — The Houthis vs Saudi Arabia | The new lords of the Red Sea
   10. aljazeera.com — Red Sea nations watch as Houthis seize Bab al-Mandeb strait
   11. The Seattle Times — Somalis rethink trade routes as Houthis disrupt established shipping channels
   12. Reuters — Houthis' Yemen advance leaves Gulf states with uncomfortable choice
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