Saudi Arabia's Strategic Crisis: A Path Through Jerusalem
Saudi Arabia is facing a serious strategic crisis on multiple fronts, leaving it vulnerable to external aggression. The kingdom's oil export routes are under threat, with the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb Strait at risk of falling under Iranian or Houthi control.
The attacks have disrupted shipping and knocked one of Saudi Arabia's most important oil pipelines offline, reducing crude oil exports to their lowest level since 2017. The encirclement extends beyond the energy sector, with Iran and the Houthis targeting Saudi civilians and energy facilities in recent months.
Riyadh is trapped between its desire to respond forcefully to these threats and the risk of provoking harsher retaliation from Iran and its proxies. Behind the scenes, Saudi Arabia is seeking back channels to de-escalate tensions with Iran, but so far without success.