Why is Iran and its proxies putting pressure on Saudi Arabia?

Why is Iran and its proxies putting pressure on Saudi Arabia?

🔸 The lightning-fast ground advance by the Houthi militias toward the Bab al-Mandeb Strait has raised concerns worldwide about disruptions to shipping in another vital route. However, according to analysts and observers, Saudi Arabia is in a more difficult position than any other country and is being harmed by the current situation.

🔸 On what basis did the Houthis’ advance take shape? Why is Iran and its proxies putting pressure on Saudi Arabia? And what options lie ahead for Riyadh?

🔸 Iran continues to disrupt passage through this vital waterway by attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz, and recent drone attacks attributed to Iraqi militias have brought an important pipeline in Saudi Arabia to a shutdown. In the current circumstances, the Houthis’ advance in the port of “Al-Mukha” as well as on the island of “Perim” in the heart of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait has made conditions for Riyadh more difficult than ever.

🔸 In recent days, the American outlet Axios reported that Washington had refused Riyadh’s request for direct military intervention against the Houthis.

🔸 Also, in the meantime, the European powers’ lack of intervention has made the situation more difficult for Saudi Arabia. Previously, Britain along with the United States had carried out attacks against the Houthis.

🔸 France, which has one of the most important naval forces for the Union of Europe’s blue-water operations and was once present in the Suez Canal, has so far preferred not to intervene.

🔸 This is while France has a military base on the other side of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, in the coastal country of Djibouti.

🔸 Read the full report on the Radio Farda website.