Yemen, Bab al-Mandab and Saudi Arabia: Tehran’s strategic calculus in the balance
Yemen, Bab al-Mandab and Saudi Arabia: Tehran’s strategic calculus in the balance Submitted by MEE correspondent on Tue, 10/20/2026 - 10:40 The Houthi blockade of the Red Sea benefits Iran but also risks the conflict spiralling beyond its control Commercial vessels are anchored off Yemen's coast at Bab al-Mandab, in the straits connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean on…
Yemen's Houthi forces claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi Arabia's defence ministry in Riyadh, Aramco facilities in Yanbu, and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, resulting in at least four casualties. The Saudi-led coalition responded by shooting down four drones over Riyadh and Madina. Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned the US against escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
Egypt's parliament is considering providing military support to Saudi Arabia in its campaign against the Houthis. Pakistan advised pilgrims traveling between Iran and Iraq to exercise caution.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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