Saudi Arabia Pursues Diplomacy with Houthi Militants Amid Renewed Conflict

Saudi Arabia is attempting to contain a renewed conflict with Houthi militants through behind-the-scenes diplomacy, according to sources familiar with the matter. The kingdom wants to prevent clashes with the Iran-backed group from hurting its oil industry and economy. Saudi Arabia has held talks with the Houthis via Omani mediators since a 2022 ceasefire and is still preparing military options in case diplomacy fails.

The Houthis are pressing for more economic concessions from Riyadh, including payment of salaries for some Yemeni civil servants and lifting all restrictions on goods and people going into Houthi-run areas as part of any lasting peace. The renewed diplomacy underscores Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's dilemma after the Houthis opened a new front in the Iran war by threatening ships calling at the kingdom's ports.

US officials have privately discouraged a major Saudi military retaliation to Houthi strikes on vessels off its Red Sea coast, fearing it would disrupt global shipping and energy markets. The kingdom's priority is to prevent further escalation while safeguarding regional stability, said Abdulaziz Al Sager, chairman of the Gulf Research Center.