Saudi Arabia at a crossroads as Houthis push toward Red Sea choke points

Saudi Arabia faces high-stakes choices as Houthi advances threaten Red Sea shipping and energy routes, with the rebels seizing Mocha and both the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands near Bab al-Mandeb. Analysts say Riyadh must weigh risky military options, potential use of the Mecca defence pact with Turkey and Pakistan, and hybrid deterrence while the US shows limited appetite for direct action, though it could provide logistics and intelligence support. The disruption risks tightening global oil supplies and potentially lifting prices, prompting calls for a broader, multilateral response.