How the Houthis are helping Iran turn Saudi Arabia into a pressure point

DUBAI, Oct 15 - The Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia are more than just an issue in Yemen. By attacking infrastructure and hindering investment events crucial to Saudi Arabia’s economic goals, the attacks aim to pressure Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to meet Houthi demands in Yemen and persuade US President Donald Trump to ease the economic blockade that is hurting Iran.

The strategy is based on the belief that Saudi Arabia’s wealth, investment plans, and vulnerability make it a possible target in a conflict that extends from the Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea. Iran, struggling with economic and military pressure after the February 28 US-Israel war, is aiming to increase the cost of Washington's strategy by targeting its regional allies, said Michael Knights of the Horizon Engage strategic advisory group.

Iran is "hammering Saudi Arabia, they're hammering the weak point," he added, exploiting the kingdom's economic weaknesses and desire for stability. Iran's principal regional supporter, Iran, would benefit from easing the US blockade on Iran, which would strengthen its position and increase its capacity to provide political, financial, and military assistance, including weapons and cash.

However, the Houthi group also has its own demands: an end to Saudi military operations, restrictions on Yemeni ports and airports, regular flights to Iran, regular salary payments, war compensation, and an end to Saudi backing for Yemen's recognized government. These demands could result in Houthi control over large parts of Yemen.

A senior Iranian official stated that the Houthi attacks were part of a larger scheme by Iran and its allies to change the regional balance of power by hitting energy infrastructure and vital shipping routes. He said that Riyadh could not rely on US protection and must pursue negotiations instead, and that the Houthi attacks would continue until Saudi restrictions were lifted.

The strategy, however, leaves Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with a conundrum: escalating the conflict could spark a wider war that would undermine his transformation agenda, but concessions could strengthen a movement that has challenged Saudi authority for years. As the conflict continues, the risk to Saudi security, investor confidence, and Vision 2030 grows.

The Saudi government media office and Iran's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Mohammed Abdulsalam, a spokesperson for the Houthi group, denied that the group was acting on Iran's behalf, stating that their demands were focused on humanitarian issues linked to Saudi Arabia, including lifting restrictions on Yemeni ports and airports, easing economic restrictions, and paying civil servants' salaries using Yemen's own resources.

"Our humanitarian demands have nothing to do with Iran or anyone else," he said. Saudi Arabia has been hit by a series of Houthi attacks in the past week, including deadly strikes on King Khalid International Airport and a strike on Saudi Aramco, the world's largest oil exporter and a key part of the economy, which caused a fire that spread across several floors.

The attacks have disrupted Riyadh’s flagship oil conference, leading top oil executives to withdraw and forcing organizers to offer remote participation at the Future Investment Initiative (FII), an annual global investment forum.