Saudi Arabia Oil Production Threatened by Houthi Attacks

Saudi Arabia is facing its biggest threat to oil production since its founding in 1932 due to cross-border attacks and seizures by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, according to an expert.

Hussain Abdul-Hussain, a research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, stated that the situation is precarious for the Saudis. The Houthis have launched attacks on Saudi ships and infrastructure near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, forcing Saudi Arabia to switch its oil production from the Hormuz Strait to the Red Sea.

The expert believes that Iran 'likely instigated' the Houthi attacks as part of a strategy to force a blockade on Saudi Arabia. This move is seen as an attempt by Iran to 'telegraph' to other oil exporters in the region that either they export oil or none will.

A senior administration official stated that the US remains focused on protecting core national security interests, such as freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, while empowering allies in the region to manage and resolve security challenges.