What happened
Saudi Arabia is facing a significant threat to its oil production due to cross-border attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. The attacks are taking place near the Red Sea's Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical shipping route. According to expert Hussain Abdul-Hussain, this is the biggest threat to Saudi oil production since the kingdom was founded in 1932.
The Houthis have launched several attacks, including a drone attack on Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline, which was temporarily closed. Saudi Arabia has also destroyed a Houthi drone that attempted to enter the airspace near Mecca. Abdul-Hussain believes that Iran is behind these attacks, trying to force a blockade on Saudi Arabia and disrupt oil exports.
The situation is escalating, with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urging the US to take military action against the Houthis. However, the US is unlikely to get involved, with Abdul-Hussain stating that the US will probably only offer advice and support. The US remains focused on protecting core national security interests, such as the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, and empowering allies in the region to manage and resolve security challenges.
