Saudi media have focused on the latest escalation in Yemen between the Iran-backed Houthi movement and the Saudi-backed internationally recognised government, warning that Tehran could use its ally in Yemen to expand its confrontation with the United States and open new regional fronts.
In its 08:00 bulletin on 16 July, Al Arabiya TV discussed the possibility of Iran widening the conflict through areas such as the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The Saudi broadcaster said Tehran was directing the Houthis as part of broader efforts to increase pressure on the US and its allies.
Iran affairs specialist Wejdan Abdul Rahman, speaking to Al Arabiya, said Iran had previously warned that it could expand any confrontation beyond its borders if attacked. He said Iranian-backed groups across the region had since become active and that Tehran was using them to increase pressure on the global economy.
Abdul Rahman also raised concerns that Iran could increase flights by Mahan Air to Sanaa, the Houthi-controlled capital, potentially leading Saudi-backed authorities to block them. He added that Tehran could provide the Houthis with military equipment and missiles as tensions increase.
The latest escalation followed events on 13 July, when the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out an air strike on Sanaa airport to prevent an Iranian Mahan Air flight carrying a Houthi delegation from landing after returning from Iran. Yemen’s Aden-based government confirmed that its forces had targeted the airport.
The Houthis later claimed missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia’s Abha International Airport and warned international airlines against using Saudi airspace. Saudi newspaper Arab News linked the developments to concerns that Iran could seek to disrupt energy exports by threatening regional waterways, including the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The escalation could increase tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia while raising concerns over the security of key regional transport routes. Further Houthi actions or increased Iranian involvement could lead to additional military responses from Saudi-backed forces.
