Saudi Arabia Left to its Own Devices Amid Houthi Oil Disruption
Saudi Arabia's struggle to maintain control over its oil flow has taken a significant turn as the Houthi rebels disrupt Red Sea shipping routes. The crisis reached a boiling point after the Houthis seized control of the Mokha port near Hodeidah. In a bold move, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sought help from President Donald Trump, but was met with rejection.
According to Axios, bin Salman made two phone calls to Trump on Thursday, September 13, requesting direct American military involvement to counter the Houthis' aggression. However, Trump refused, opting instead to provide intelligence assistance that the United States was already supplying. This decision marked a strategic shift in US policy towards the Middle East.
The implications of this move are far-reaching and could potentially affect the future of the entire region. The kingdom's decision to fend for itself may lead to a new wave of instability, forcing Saudi Arabia to choose between waging another war or recognizing the Houthi force as a legitimate entity in Yemen.