Trump Leaves Saudi Arabia Alone to Fight Houthis
Saudi Arabia is facing renewed attacks from Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, but President Trump has declined to launch air strikes, leaving Riyadh to defend itself. Regional allies and the U.S. are hesitant to get involved due to fears of escalation and retaliation. The conflict threatens criti…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Saudi Arabia is currently battling a resurgence of attacks from the Iran‑backed Houthi movement in Yemen, but President Donald Trump has declined to intervene militarily. The decision leaves Riyadh to defend its cities, pipelines and refineries on its own, while the Houthis continue to threaten the region’s vital oil supply routes.
What Happened
In recent weeks the Houthi rebels have fired ballistic missiles and drones at Saudi targets, including the capital Riyadh and the Bab al Mandeb Strait. These attacks have disrupted the flow of oil through the Red Sea and increased volatility in global markets. Despite the threat, Trump has refused to launch U.S. air strikes against the group, citing concerns over escalation with Iran and the safety of U.S. troops in the region.
Background and Context
The Houthi insurgency began in the early 2000s as a Shia movement in Yemen’s north. It escalated into a full‑blown civil war after 2014, when the group seized the capital Sanaa and forced the internationally recognized government into exile. Saudi Arabia, backed by the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf allies, intervened militarily in 2015 to restore the Yemeni government and counter Iranian influence.
Over the past decade, the U.S. has supplied Saudi Arabia with advanced weapons, including F‑35 stealth fighters and Abrams tanks. However, the alliance has never formally committed to joint defense against the Houthis. The 2023 Mecca Agreement, signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, pledged mutual defense in case of an attack, but the agreement was never activated when Houthi drones approached Mecca in August.
Experts argue that regional allies are reluctant to intervene because they fear Iranian retaliation and the exposure of civilian infrastructure to attacks. Turkey and Pakistan, both nuclear‑armed states, have cited the pre‑existing Yemeni civil war as a reason to remain outside the conflict, despite the strategic importance of protecting the holy city of Mecca.
Why Trump Is Staying Out
President Trump’s decision is rooted in two main concerns. First, the U.S. does not want to become embroiled in a new front against the Houthis, who are closely tied to Iran. Second, the longstanding animosity between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi rebels predates the current Iran‑Saudi rivalry, making the conflict a domestic issue for Riyadh rather than a broader regional war.
According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Gulf allies fear being targeted by Iranian or Houthi forces if they assist Saudi Arabia. The Soufan Center’s recent briefing warned that the U.S. “security umbrella” over Saudi Arabia could falter, leaving the kingdom vulnerable to attacks that could spill over into U.S. interests.
Implications for Oil and Regional Stability
The Houthi attacks have already disrupted the Bab al Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Saudi Arabia’s East‑West Pipeline, which reroutes millions of barrels of oil away from the Strait of Hormuz, has also been affected. Oil prices spiked to nearly $100 per barrel last week before settling below triple digits, reflecting market anxiety over supply disruptions.
With the U.S. and other allies stepping back, Saudi Arabia is seeking air support from France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt. However, the U.S. is reportedly low on missile interceptors and the delivery of new F‑35 jets will take several years, leaving Riyadh with limited defensive options.
What Happens Next?
It remains unclear whether the Houthis will fully align with Iran’s broader strategic goals or continue to focus solely on Yemen. The lack of a unified international response could prolong the conflict, potentially forcing Saudi Arabia to negotiate a ceasefire or seek new security arrangements. The situation is still evolving, and any shift in U.S. policy or regional alliances could alter the balance of power in the Middle East.
For now, Saudi Arabia stands largely on its own, defending its sovereignty and the world’s oil supply against a determined insurgent force backed by a rival superpower.
Key facts
- Saudi Arabia faces renewed Houthi attacks that threaten oil supplies.
- Trump refuses U.S. air strikes, citing escalation risks with Iran.
- Regional allies are hesitant to intervene due to potential retaliation.
- The Houthis control strategic maritime chokepoints, disrupting oil flow.
- Saudi seeks air support from European and Gulf allies amid limited U.S. resources.
Why it matters
The conflict directly threatens the world’s oil supply and could trigger a broader regional war, affecting global markets and security.
Frequently asked questions
Why has the U.S. chosen not to intervene in the Saudi-Houthi conflict?
The U.S. is concerned about escalating tensions with Iran and protecting its troops and assets in the Middle East.
What impact are the Houthi attacks having on global oil markets?
They have disrupted key shipping lanes and pipelines, causing oil prices to spike and creating uncertainty in global supply chains.
Can Saudi Arabia rely on its allies for defense?
While allies like Turkey and Pakistan have signed defense agreements, they have so far declined to intervene, citing strategic concerns.
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Why Trump is leaving Saudi Arabia alone to fight the Houthis — even as they threaten global oil supplies”
