Saudi Arabia Under Siege: Threats Mount on Multiple Fronts
Saudi Arabia faces an unprecedented strategic and economic squeeze due to threats in both the Hormuz Strait and Bab el-Mandeb. The country's options are dwindling, with the Houthis threatening Saudi territory and shipping routes through the Red Sea.
The Houthi group, backed by Iran, has gained significant battlefield losses against Saudi allies in Yemen, putting them in a position to choke off shipping routes. Despite Riyadh's diplomatic outreach with Tehran, attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure continue from Iran-backed forces in Yemen and Iraq.
Riyadh is exercising caution, but some experts believe it may be forced to re-engage in the conflict. The Mecca agreement, signed last month between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, has been touted as a means of collective deterrence, but its operationalization remains unclear.