The recent advances of the Houthis in Yemen, which include targeting cities and infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, have severely complicated the war situation in the Middle East. These developments have not only disrupted the 2022 ceasefire in which the Houthis were fighting against a Saudi-led coalition, but the capture of territories near the Red Sea poses a serious threat to Saudi Arabia's energy exports.
Consequences of War and Regional Tensions
On September 13, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab countries were scheduled to participate in important talks in Oman, but these negotiations were canceled due to attacks by the Houthis and Iranian-affiliated Iraqi groups. This indicates that the time is not yet right for these discussions and that more dialogue is needed to create a common framework for their success.
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The increase in attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure has jeopardized the country's ability to continue oil exports. Saudi ships are now avoiding passage through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and have turned to a longer route through the Suez Canal, away from the African coast, which incurs higher costs and time.
Military and Diplomatic Challenges for Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has been militarily intervening in Yemen since March 2015, but it has become heavily embroiled in this war and has not achieved favorable results. The Houthis' capability for asymmetric warfare and access to advanced technologies allows them to resist airstrikes and other military operations. The fact that the Houthis have survived U.S. military operations in 2025 indicates the ineffectiveness of air bombardments in subduing them.
Saudi Arabia cannot manage this crisis alone and may need to collaborate with other countries such as Egypt and Turkey to enhance maritime security. Given that the United States has been unable to provide sufficient support to Saudi Arabia, the situation in the Persian Gulf appears highly tense and concerning.
Ultimately, if Saudi Arabia faces a "dual choke point" crisis where both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait are effectively closed, there will be no safe and reliable way to continue exporting oil and other industrial goods from the country.
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