Saudi Arabia faces limited options as Houthi conflict escalates

Saudi Arabia faces a severe two-front conflict as Houthi forces escalate attacks on its territory and advance rapidly in Yemen, while key allies have declined direct military intervention. The kingdom's oil export routes are severely disrupted, and its strategic options are limited. A drone attack from Iran-aligned militias in Iraq disabled Saudi Arabia's EastWest Pipeline, which carries about 4% of global oil supplies. Houthi forces have seized control of the Hanish islands and the Red Sea port city of Mocha, tightening their grip on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Houthis are now pushing to capture the strategic cities of Taiz and Marib in Yemen's hinterlands. The United States has held previously undisclosed talks with Houthi officials in Oman, brokered by Oman, to preserve an earlier US-Houthi ceasefire. Pakistan has refused to send troops or weapons to fight the Houthis in Yemen, though it would defend Saudi territory under the Mecca Pact. Saudi Arabia has reportedly sought intelligence assistance from Israel, mediated by US Central Command, to address the Houthi threat.