Saudi scrambles to solve ‘humiliating dilemma’ after US rejects Red Sea intervention

Saudi Arabia finds itself in a "humiliating dilemma" following the United States' refusal to militarily intervene against the Iran-aligned Houthi militia's tightening blockade of the Red Sea, according to analysts. US President Donald Trump dismissed the Houthi seizure of Yemen's entire Red Sea coast as a problem that "only affects one country".

This stance has "deeply disturbed" the Saudi leadership, as stated by Michael Ratney, a former US ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Trump's belief that all would be "fine and dandy" starkly contrasted with the suspension of Saudi oil exports from the Red Sea the same day, after Iranian-allied Iraqi militias damaged the kingdom's east-west pipeline.

Riyadh had expected the US to "be there in the breach" as it faced attacks by its "mortal enemies". However, the US has not taken Saudi Arabia's concerns into consideration in its war against Iran. Analysts are not optimistic about Saudi Arabia's chances of breaking free from the straitjacket being imposed on it. With US military support not forthcoming, Saudi Arabia is working to build a multinational coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea and defend the kingdom against Houthi threats.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's administration is focusing on ramping up military pressure on the Houthis while engaging diplomatically with Iran. However, Saudi Arabia is likely to face the need for financial compensation to both the Houthis and Iran to prevent attacks on its territory.