The United States has cautioned that military clashes between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi forces could escalate rapidly. This warning follows a missile strike that targeted the Saudi capital, Riyadh, marking the first such attack since the Yemen conflict was reignited.
In recent weeks, the Houthis have launched a swift military campaign, capturing significant territory across Yemen and resulting in hundreds of fatalities. Against this backdrop of intensifying attacks and the absence of support from its key ally, Washington, Saudi Arabia is reassessing its strategic options.
How long until Saudi Arabia seeks alternative alliances? The era of relying solely on Washington seems over.
This is a massive shift. Riyadh under direct fire without US backing changes everything for Gulf security.