The Yemen war is now creating fresh alarm in Saudi Arabia, with Houthi drones and missiles reportedly moving closer to the kingdom’s sensitive areas. A drone alert near Mecca and the Houthis’ claim of bringing down a Saudi F-15 have added to the growing pressure on Riyadh. But the biggest twist in the unfolding crisis is coming from Oman, where US officials have reportedly held talks with Houthi representatives. According to the claims, the discussions in Muscat could be linked to an understanding under which the Houthis would avoid attacks on American and Israeli-linked shipping, while Washington would stay away from opening a new military front in Yemen on behalf of Saudi Arabia. This has raised questions in Riyadh over the reliability of its long-standing security partnership with Washington. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had earlier received strong US backing, including during Donald Trump’s May 2025 visit to Riyadh, when a major defence agreement was announced. But the latest developments suggest that Washington may be prioritising the avoidance of a wider regional war over direct military involvement in Saudi Arabia’s confrontation with the Houthis. The crisis is also putting Saudi Arabia’s air-defence capabilities under pressure. The Houthis claim their locally developed surface-to-air missile brought down a Saudi F-15, although the claim remains unverified. Reports of further drone and missile activity have heightened concerns around Saudi airspace and critical locations. Meanwhile, Pakistan and Türkiye, despite their security partnership with Saudi Arabia, have not indicated any immediate decision to deploy forces in the conflict. Riyadh is therefore reportedly looking towards other regional and international partners for additional security support. The latest developments could push Saudi Arabia to reconsider its wider defence strategy and deepen security engagement with countries such as China and Russia.
