Saudi Crown Prince Seeks Egyptian Support Amid Escalating Yemen Conflict
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited Egypt to seek support against Houthi rebel attacks on key shipping routes, which have disrupted oil supplies and contributed to a spike in global oil prices. Despite Egypt's limited military capabilities, its influence in the Arab world makes it a crucial ally for Saudi Arabia.
The conflict in Yemen has escalated, with Houthi fighters seizing the Red Sea port of Mokha and three strategic islands near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The U.S. military has destroyed two Iranian boats attempting to steal a drone ship, and Iran's government is recruiting volunteers to learn how to use assault rifles.
The closure of Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline due to attacks by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq will likely reduce oil supplies by several million barrels per day. The U.K.'s Prime Minister has urged the Houthis to cease their attacks, and Saudi Arabia's military has intercepted a drone near Mecca, with the security of the holy city considered a 'red line.'