Saudi Arabia has urged the United States to exercise restraint in responding to attacks by Yemen’s Houthis after recent incidents involving ships in the Red Sea, according to two sources familiar with Saudi thinking. The kingdom is anxious to contain any potential escalation following the Houthis’ attacks on vessels and their ongoing assault on Israel.
Since the conflict erupted on October 7, the Houthis, who rule much of Yemen, have become embroiled in the Hamas-Israel war by attacking ships in crucial shipping lanes and launching drones and missiles at Israel. The group claims its attacks are in solidarity with the Palestinians, and they have vowed to continue until Israel ends its offensive on the Gaza Strip.
The Houthis’ participation in the conflict has raised the stakes in the region, threatening sea lanes crucial for global oil shipments, and causing alarm as Houthi rockets and drones fly towards Israel. Saudi Arabia, as the world’s largest oil exporter, has been particularly concerned, having had Houthi missiles launched over its territory.
Following the Houthis’ intensified attacks on shipping in recent weeks, Saudi Arabia has sought to convey a message of restraint to the United States to avoid further escalation. According to sources, Riyadh is content with the way the United States has handled the situation so far, and has expressed its desire to see a cessation of the war in Gaza.
Amid the ongoing conflict, Saudi Arabia is also working towards promoting stability in the region. The kingdom has been seeking a ceasefire in Gaza and is eager to advance the peace process in Yemen. The country’s diplomatic efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance its economy and normalize relations with Iran while seeking an exit from the prolonged conflict with the Houthis in Yemen.
The Houthis’ attacks during the Hamas-Israel war have increased their standing within the Iran-aligned camp, which includes groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran-backed militias in Iraq. Sources familiar with the Iran-aligned camp have revealed that the Houthi attacks are aimed at pressuring the United States to force Israel to end its offensive in Gaza.
It has also been reported that Houthi representatives discussed their attacks with Iranian officials during a meeting in Tehran, with both parties agreeing on the need to conduct actions in a “controlled” manner in order to bring an end to the Gaza conflict. However, Iran has denied any involvement in the attacks carried out by the Houthis.
The United States and Britain have condemned the attacks on shipping and have blamed Iran for supporting the Houthis. The U.S. Navy destroyer, the Carney, recently shot down three drones as it responded to distress calls from commercial vessels that were attacked. The Pentagon has stated that the response by the Carney was necessary for self-defense.
Meanwhile, Iran has denied any involvement and has exchanged messages with the United States through intermediaries to call for restraint. Both countries have urged caution and have denied seeking all-out war in the region.
As the conflict in the region continues to evolve, the interactions between various actors, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the Houthis, will likely play a crucial role in determining the trajectory of the conflicts in Yemen and Gaza and the broader regional stability.