Recent weeks have seen a significant escalation in Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, with near-daily assaults. This renewed aggression is part of an existing, broader conflict between the United States and Iran. The Houthi actions, including drone and missile strikes on Saudi cities and damage to oil infrastructure, are threatening Saudi Arabia's long-term economic plans, which were initially laid out approximately a decade ago. While Saudi Arabia was largely spared from the worst of the early fighting in this conflict, the recent surge in Houthi activity has heightened economic concerns for the kingdom.
The Houthi attacks have directly impacted Saudi Arabia's critical oil infrastructure. One key cross-country oil pipeline was halted following drone attacks, prompting Saudi Arabia to seek to restore about half of its capacity within days. This disruption underscores the vulnerability of Saudi energy exports to these escalating tensions. The attacks are seen as extending Tehran's influence in the region and contributing to global oil-supply risks.
Beyond direct infrastructure damage, the broader aim of the Houthis, supported by Iran, appears to be to gain significant leverage over Saudi Arabia. Yemen's Interior Minister Major General Ibrahim Haidan warned that Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) is aiding the Houthis in militarizing the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a crucial global shipping lane. Haidan indicated that Iran seeks to replicate its strategy in the Strait of Hormuz, using the Houthis to establish long-term military influence over this vital waterway. This strategic move could grant Iran substantial control over international maritime traffic and provide a powerful tool during any regional escalation.
