📻 60 Minutes Program Podcast, Monday 20 Mehr 1405

The war between Yemen’s Houthis and Saudi Arabia has intensified. Just these few minutes ago, news came in that sounds of explosions were heard in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Officials say the Houthis’ ballistic missiles have been targeted.

Residents of the city have been warned of the danger of a missile attack.

The main airport of the capital remains closed, and flights to King Fahd International Airport in Dammam are also facing delays and disruptions. The number of people killed in the Houthis’ attacks over the past two days on this airport has increased to 14. However, Saudi Arabia’s energy minister has said that these attacks cannot force the country—which he described as a symbol of energy security in the world—to submit. Clashes and gunfire between forces loyal to Yemen’s official government, which is allied with Saudi Arabia, and the Houthis continue.

Intense fighting has been reported in the Ta‘izz province in the south, alongside the continuation of a fierce battle to control the strategic strait of Bab al-Mandab. Energy markets around the world are following developments with concern. What options does Saudi Arabia have in its confrontation with the Houthis? Are these disputes part of a larger crisis in the region between Iran and the United States?