Houthi Attacks Spark US-Saudi Rift as Global Trade Flows Under Threat
US-Saudi relations are under strain as Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman has asked Donald Trump to attack the Houthis, but the US president refused. According to El País, this marks a significant discrepancy between the two partners, raising questions about the future of their alliance.
The Houthi attacks on Saudi oil facilities and infrastructure have disrupted energy routes, causing concern among major oil consumers in Europe. On Saturday, Saudi Arabia announced it had intercepted a ballistic missile targeting Riyadh, but fortunately, there were no casualties or damage reported.
The Bab el Mandeb Strait is crucial for global trade as it connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and allows ships to pass through on their way from Asia to Europe via the Suez Canal. The risk of navigation in this area has increased, and shipping companies may change their routes or insurers may review their conditions.
The situation is causing economic uncertainty for European buyers, who are seeking alternative supplies due to difficulties in Saudi deliveries. Reuters reported that Polish Orlen was seeking alternative supplies due to these problems, highlighting the impact of regional crises on global trade flows.