Why the Iran-Backed Houthis in Yemen and Saudi Arabia Are Back at War

The conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen has escalated, opening a second front in the Middle East. According to The New York Times, this development has added to global uncertainty and turmoil in energy markets. The Houthis have made advances around a vital global waterway, taking key areas along the Bab al-Mandeb strait.

The situation has prompted reactions from various countries. Malaysia has strongly condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including those targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, while reaffirming its solidarity with the Kingdom, as reported by the New Straits Times. The US had considered taking military action against the Houthis, with President Trump consulting with his senior advisers about the possibility of strikes, Axios reported. However, no direct pledge of military support was made, according to Al-Monitor.

The conflict has also had an impact on events in the region. The Red Sea Film Festival, scheduled to run in Jeddah from 3 to 12 December, has been cancelled due to the escalating conflict, Middle East Eye reported. The festival will instead return in the final quarter of 2027 with a “renewed vision and a program that continues to celebrate cinema and filmmakers from Saudi Arabia, the region and around the world.”

Brief written by urgent.news from The New York Times, Middle East Eye, Al-Monitor, New Straits Times, Axios — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.