Stories
How Saudi Arabia Was Pulled Back Into the Destructive Yemen War
- •Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman initially sought to end the Yemen conflict to focus on domestic economic transformation and attracting international investments.
- •A breakdown in relations and military withdrawal by the United Arab Emirates left Saudi Arabia isolated and struggling to maintain command over allied Yemeni forces.
- •Regional escalation triggered by the US-Iran conflict and a dispute over a Houthi delegation in Tehran shattered the fragile Saudi-Houthi truce.
- •Despite expecting robust American intervention, Saudi Arabia received limited backing from President Donald Trump, forcing Riyadh to seek military assistance from France, Britain, and regional allies.
- •Riyadh is now leading the new Yemen Dawn military campaign, but analysts warn that deep divisions among local forces and ties to the broader Iran conflict leave Saudi Arabia with no easy exit.
Key Questions Answered
The relationship between Saudi Arabia and the UAE broke down after Saudi warplanes attacked military vehicles sent by the UAE to support separatist forces in Yemen. Following this incident, Abu Dhabi withdrew its forces, leaving Riyadh to handle the conflict largely on its own and creating a leadership void among local Yemeni fighters.
The conflict reignited after Saudi Arabia attacked Sanaa's airport to block an Iranian commercial plane from collecting a Houthi delegation from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral. In response, the Houthis ended their truce, declared a naval blockade on Saudi ships, and launched major offensives and missile attacks on Saudi territory.
After President Donald Trump declined to attack the Houthis, Saudi Arabia secured assistance elsewhere. France deployed defense assets and personnel, Britain sent an aircraft for refueling, over 100 US advisers provided intelligence support, and Riyadh activated collective deterrence measures under the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement.
