Houthis Escalate Attacks on Saudi Oil, Putting Pressure on Trump's Iran Policy
The Houthi militant group in Yemen has escalated attacks on Saudi Arabia's energy facilities, causing significant concern for global oil supplies and potentially forcing US President Donald Trump to reconsider his stance on Iran.
The latest attacks targeted the Jazan oil refinery in Saudi Arabia, with a fire breaking out but reportedly being quickly extinguished. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the drone and missile strikes, stating they were a response to Saudi drones violating Yemeni airspace and imposing a blockade on the country.
Analysts believe that Iran may be instigating these attacks as part of its broader strategy to pressure Saudi Arabia into recognizing Houthi control over western Yemen. The Houthis have also been seeking to use the regional war to advance their own interests, including by increasing arms shipments through the key port of Hodeida.
Dr. Neil Quilliam, associate fellow at Chatham House's Middle East and North Africa programme, noted that 'the strategy is to use the war to advance [the Houthi regime's] interests by increasing the flow of arms through Hodeida, so that it can further consolidate its territorial grip and challenge the groups that oppose it in Yemen.'
Christopher Phillips, professor of international relations at Queen Mary University of London, stated that 'this is not something that Saudi Arabia wants at all.' He warned that the worst may be yet to come, particularly if the Bab al-Mandab Strait is closed, which could severely impact Saudi Arabia's ability to export oil and gas.