Why Saudi Arabia has few options in its conflict with the Huthis

Saudi Arabia finds itself in a precarious position as it grapples with a swift advance by Iran-backed Huthis in Yemen. The kingdom is left with few options to respond, all of which carry significant costs. Saudi Arabia's key message is that it does not want an all-out war, but the Huthis' behavior may still drag the Gulf state into a wider conflict.

Experts believe that there is a growing likelihood of a large-scale Saudi retaliation. Recently, the Huthis captured the strategic Perim Island and the port town of Mocha, aiming to control the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a crucial energy route. Following these attacks, Saudi Arabia's primary oil pipeline was shut down after being targeted by drones from Iraq.

The responsibility for this attack remains unconfirmed, but US President Donald Trump attributed it to Tehran, pointing to Iranian proxies operating in Iraq. Saudi Arabia has been increasingly relying on the East-West pipeline since the Iran war effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, rerouting about 5 million barrels of oil daily that would have otherwise been shipped to waiting tankers in the Persian Gulf.

Saudi Arabia seems to be amplifying concerns raised earlier in the month, with a senior official stating that the kingdom is preparing for multiple coordinated attacks by Iraqi militias working alongside Iran-backed Huthis. While it may seem like a mismatch between the wealthy Saudi Arabia and the impoverished Yemeni rebel group, the Huthis have demonstrated their resilience in recent years.

Despite their territorial losses, Saudi Arabia has not yet responded with full force, leaving open questions about its next moves. The consequences of these developments could significantly impact the US-Iran conflict. Saudi Arabia faces a limited range of options, but escalating the conflict carries substantial costs for the kingdom.