Saudi Oil Exports Face Disruption Across Region

Saudi Arabia faces mounting pressure as Iran-aligned Houthi forces advance along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, reportedly capturing Mocha and Perim Island and threatening the Bab al-Mandeb, a major global shipping route. At the same time, drone attacks blamed by some officials on Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have shut the kingdom’s 1,200-kilometer East-West oil pipeline, limiting an alternative export route around the Strait of Hormuz and putting several days of shipments at risk. Violence and disruption around both chokepoints have fueled fears of wider energy-market turmoil, while attacks on commercial vessels have heightened maritime risks. Riyadh appears reluctant to launch a broad military response but has few low-cost options as the Houthis become more capable and Iran-linked threats expand. Saudi officials are seeking support from partners, including the United States, but uncertainty over the Trump administration’s willingness to escalate has further narrowed the kingdom’s room to maneuver.