The Houthis, through their attacks on Saudi Arabia, are seeking to exert pressure on the Crown Prince of the country, Mohammed bin Salman, and draw attention to their demands in Yemen. These attacks aim to target infrastructure and disrupt investment events that align with Saudi Arabia's economic aspirations, and are somewhat an effort to pressure Mohammed bin Salman to accept the Houthis' demands in Yemen, as well as to encourage U.S. President Donald Trump to ease economic sanctions against Iran.
Strategic Analysis of Houthi Attacks
This campaign reflects the calculations of Iran and the Houthis, who seem to view Saudi Arabia as a vulnerable point in this confrontation due to its economic boom and investment plans. As Iran faces increasing economic and military pressure, it appears to be trying to raise the costs of Washington's strategy by targeting its regional partners.
Michael Knights, a strategic expert, states that "the Iranians are under pressure" and while they cannot directly change Washington's behavior, Tehran and the Houthis are "pressuring Saudi Arabia" to target the economic vulnerabilities and the country's need for stability.
Houthi Demands and Conditions
The Houthis also have specific demands that include ending Saudi military operations and existing restrictions on Yemen's ports and airports, as well as restoring salary payments and compensations for war damages. According to Saudi and regional sources, these conditions could help stabilize Houthi rule over large areas of Yemen.
A senior Iranian official stated that the Houthi attacks are part of a broader strategy aimed at reshaping the balance of power in the region by targeting energy infrastructure and key maritime routes. He added that Riyadh cannot rely on U.S. protection and must seek negotiations; otherwise, Houthi attacks will continue.
At the same time, this strategy imposes a dilemma on Mohammed bin Salman. On one hand, escalating tensions could lead to a wider war that would affect his transformation plans, and on the other hand, conceding to the Houthis could strengthen the power of this group that has challenged him for years.
In recent weeks, Saudi Arabia has faced an increase in Houthi attacks, including deadly assaults on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and an attack on Saudi Aramco facilities that caused widespread fires. These attacks disrupted a major oil conference in Riyadh and led some senior oil executives to withdraw from the event.
Ultimately, as the Houthis increasingly see themselves in a position of power and demand recognition of their sovereignty in Sanaa and a reduction of restrictions on Yemen, it seems that this situation will lead to a victorious peace for the Houthis.
Read more: The U.S. government banned attacks on Iran before the midterm elections · Jordan's Foreign Minister: War against Iran threatens regional stability and energy security
