Saudi Arabia Cornered as Pipeline Disruption and Houthi Attacks Escalate

Saudi Arabia's oil company, Aramco, has seen its profits soar this summer thanks to its East-West Pipeline, which allows crude exports to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

However, a drone attack from Iran-aligned militias in Iraq has disabled the pipeline, putting Saudi Arabia in a precarious position.

The Houthis have been launching missiles and drones at Saudi cities, including one that was shot down over Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. The Houthis deny targeting Mecca, but the incident has added to Saudi Arabia's concerns.

With its allies seemingly absent from the conflict, Saudi Arabia now faces a two-front war against the Houthis and Iran-aligned militias.