Saudi Arabia Seeks US Military Support Amid Houthi Threat to Oil Trade
Saudi Arabia has signed defense pacts with Pakistan and Türkiye, but it's still turning to the US for military support against Iran-backed Houthis threatening its oil trade off Africa.
The Houthis have strengthened their position near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. This strait is a crucial shipping route that carries around 7% of global oil output and leads to the Suez Canal.
In response, Saudi forces have stepped up strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, while the US has provided military support for at least the third time in a major security crisis. The escalation has put the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement under an early test, which states that an attack against Saudi Arabia, Türkiye or Pakistan will be regarded as an attack against all three countries.
The Houthis have seized Mocha and are threatening the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which could lead to further disruption in oil shipping. This would push more vessels around South Africa's Cape of Good Hope, raising transport costs for oil producers.