Saudi Arabia, caught between Iran and Houthi rebels, seeks U.S. support
According to Le Monde, the Saudi kingdom fears losing all maritime access for its oil exports, as Houthi rebels control the Bab Al-Mandab Strait and Iran blocks the Strait of Hormuz.
Saudi Arabia finds itself in a position of growing isolation facing Iran and Houthi rebels from Yemen, according to an article published by Le Monde. The kingdom is now seeking strengthened U.S. support to deal with this situation.
According to the same source, Saudi Arabia risks losing all maritime outlets for its oil tankers. This threat stems from the takeover of the Bab Al-Mandab Strait by Houthi rebels, who are allied with Tehran according to Le Monde. This strait is the gateway from the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean, a strategic axis for regional maritime commerce.
Meanwhile, Iran is blocking the Strait of Hormuz, according to information reported by the newspaper. This maritime passage is traditionally used for a significant share of Gulf oil exports.
The combination of these two blockades, at Bab Al-Mandab and Hormuz, could potentially cut off the Saudi kingdom from its main maritime export routes, according to Le Monde's analysis. This situation explains Riyadh's move to obtain stronger American backing.
Le Monde did not specify, in the excerpt reviewed, the exact nature of the support sought by Riyadh from Washington, nor the timeline of developments in this regional crisis.
Sources
- L’Arabie saoudite, isolée face à l’Iran et aux rebelles houthistes du Yémen, cherche le soutien des Etats-Unis — Le Monde — Une
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
Related articles
Houthis Emerge as Key Player in Iran's Regional Network, Analysts Say
Following battlefield gains in Yemen, the Houthi movement is being described as increasingly central to Iran's so-called "axis of resistance," a role once dominated by Lebanon's Hezbollah.
Qatar Says It Is Mediating to Revive US-Iran Talks
Qatari officials say mediators are shuttling between capitals in an effort to restart stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran
Iran Says Strait of Hormuz Will Stay Closed Until US Meets Its Conditions
Parliament speaker says Tehran has relayed its demands to Washington through intermediaries and will not reopen the strategic waterway until they are satisfied
Iran Security Official Says Country Ready to Respond If US Resumes Military Action
Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said Tehran is prepared to defend itself and respond forcefully to any renewed US military aggression, according to IRNA.
Armenian Ambassador Calls for Expanded Iran-Armenia Rail and Trade Links
Grigor Hakobyan says connecting the two countries’ railway networks would give Armenia access to southern seas and diversify Iran’s trade routes to Europe
Iran's Parliament Speaker Says Sacred Defense Week Reflects Tested Experience in Defending National Dignity
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described the annual commemoration as more than a historical recollection, according to Iranian state news agency IRNA.
Comments
Loading comments…