Frustration grows as Huthis widen Middle East conflict with US unwilling to intervene
Dramatic recent advances by the Iran-backed Huthis, including the seizure of a strategically important island in the Red Sea, have dealt another blow to a region reeling from the US war with Iran and exacerbated an already severe global energy crisis. But neither the US nor its key ally Saudi Arabia has a clear plan … The post Frustration grows as Huthis widen Middle East conflict with US…
Growing frustration is evident as Huthis expand Middle East conflict, with the US reluctant to intervene. Dramatic advances by Iran-backed Huthis, such as seizing a crucial island in the Red Sea, have exacerbated an already severe global energy crisis, according to multiple sources speaking to CNN. Neither the US nor its key ally Saudi Arabia possesses a clear strategy to counter the group, leaving many in the region questioning who will lead the counteroffensive.
US officials acknowledge the Huthis aim to control the Bab al Mandeb Strait, but the Trump administration shows little willingness to use American military power to halt them, relying instead on Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia, despite receiving additional US intelligence and targeting support, has struggled to stop the Huthis from capturing key coastal towns in Yemen, frustrating both Gulf and American officials.
The Huthis' recent moves are not unexpected, as former diplomats and region insiders note the weaknesses of Saudi-backed Yemeni forces. US intelligence reports have long indicated the group would attempt to control another critical waterway, similar to Iran's actions earlier this year. However, the US believes it has provided Saudi Arabia with everything necessary to succeed against the Huthis, including increased intelligence sharing and targeting data support.
Saudi-backed Yemeni forces have been fighting the Huthis for over a decade, following a 2022 UN truce that brought relative stability. But recent fighting has escalated once again. The Saudis accused the Huthis of targeting Mecca, Islam's holiest city, while the Huthis claim to have shot down a Saudi F-15 jet. President Trump has made clear his red line is not engaging in direct military strikes against the Huthis.
To date, US support has been limited to intelligence and targeting data for Saudi attacks. Trump's messaging appears to signal his reluctance to back US allies in the region, stating the Huthis do not want to fight with the US and would prefer not to involve America.
Written by urgent.news from Egypt Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
