Houthis' attacks on Saudi Arabia and tensions in the region increase

While the conflicts between the USA and Iran calmed down, the power struggle in the region extended to Yemen. The Iranian-backed Houthis' seizure of the western coasts of Yemen and their rise to a strong position in the Bab al-Mandab Strait was a move that changed the equation in the region. While this situation provides Iran with an important trump card, Saudi Arabia is looking for a way out.

Houthis are attacking

While the conflicts between the Iran-backed Houthis and the Saudi Arabia-backed Yemeni government continue, Saudi Arabian territory is also getting its share of attacks. 13 people were injured in the 54 UAV attacks carried out by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia. An alarm was given against possible emergencies in Jeddah, Yenbu, Taif and Ula provinces, Ebha city and Jazan region. Saudi Arabia announced that it would act "responsibly and decisively" against the Houthis following the latest attacks on the country's territory.

'Options are decreasing'

Riyadh is in a difficult situation due to the Houthis' advance in Yemen and their control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, as well as attacks on its own territory. Finally, the country's critical East-West pipeline was targeted and had to be closed. As Saudi Arabia becomes increasingly embroiled in the war between the US and Iran, the kingdom's leadership now finds it has "dwindling options" on how to respond, according to an analysis published in The New York Times.

It is stated that the USA refuses to provide air support to Saudi Arabia in order to deter the Houthis in Yemen. While it was eagerly awaited what steps Riyadh would take, the allegations in the Arab press attracted attention. Sources close to the Houthis claimed that Saudi Arabia was preparing to oppose the Houthis by transporting fighters from Syria. No concrete evidence was shown regarding this claim.

went to Egypt

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper and his accompanying delegation in Jeddah the other day. During the meeting, bilateral relations as well as the latest developments in the region were discussed. Yesterday, Selman went to Cairo and met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. In the statement made by the Egyptian Presidency, it was stated that Sisi emphasized that the security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries is a part of Egypt's national security. Sisi also expressed to Salman that he unequivocally condemns any attack against Saudi Arabia and supports the measures taken by the Kingdom to protect its security. The two countries also agreed to protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab at a time when tensions in the region are escalating.

Why was the meeting postponed?

Uncertainty continues regarding the critical meeting that was planned to be held between Iran and the Gulf countries regarding the future of the Strait of Homruz, but was postponed at the last minute. While the reason behind the postponement of the meeting is the disagreement of the countries in the region regarding the agreement between Iran and Oman, it is stated that the latest developments in Yemen are also effective in the resulting discomfort.