Isolated by Iran and Yemeni Houthi rebels, Saudi Arabia seeks US backing

Saudi Arabia is facing increased pressure from Iran-allied rebels in the region. The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have seized control of Red Sea coastal areas of Yemen and a strategic Red Sea island, threatening a vital shipping route. According to Haaretz, this development could help Iran drive up oil prices as it seeks leverage over Washington.

Drone attacks by Iran-backed militias in Iraq against Saudi Arabia were launched on Friday, targeting the kingdom's East-West pipeline and forcing its shutdown. The National UAE reported that the attacks were meant to show solidarity with the Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia said it would not retaliate for now, after a request from Iraq's Prime Minister, while reserving the right to take necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and critical sites.

The developments have raised concerns about the security of Saudi Arabia's oil tankers, which could lose all maritime access if the situation escalates. According to Le Monde English, Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the Houthi rebels' control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean pose a significant risk to the kingdom's oil exports.

Brief written by urgent.news from Le Monde English, Live Mint, Haaretz, The National UAE, Ajel English — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.