The Iranian-backed Houthi militia has escalated attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure and expanded control around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical shipping route, raising risks of wider regional conflict and energy disruption. The offensive coincides with Iranian restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, creating dual pressure on global oil supplies and forcing the Trump administration to weigh military support for Saudi Arabia against avoiding deeper entanglement in Middle East conflicts. The Houthis have targeted Saudi pipelines, attempted strikes on Riyadh and Mecca, and seized territory controlling waterways through which 25% of tanker traffic and 10% of global oil supplies previously passed.
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