Yemen Conflict Escalates: Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Threaten Global Oil Supplies

Intensified fighting between the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen and the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels surged on Monday, with escalating hostilities impacting oil supplies and raising concerns of a wider regional conflict. The coalition announced the destruction of two ballistic missile launchers in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, including one responsible for a missile targeting Riyadh that was reportedly intercepted. The Houthis subsequently claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi Arabia's East-West crude oil pumping stations and Riyadh airport, though these claims await immediate confirmation from the kingdom.

Sanaa has been under Houthi control since 2014, following the militant group's seizure of the capital and the subsequent Saudi-led military intervention in support of Yemen’s internationally recognized government. The Houthis have frequently launched ballistic missiles and drones at Saudi airports, ports, and oil installations, positioning the kingdom as a critical pressure point in the broader regional conflict. Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has resumed operations at two terminals following attacks claimed by the Houthis this month, which resulted in 17 fatalities. An earlier strike on the airport on October 10 claimed 13 lives, marking the deadliest attack in Saudi Arabia in over a decade. In September, the kingdom temporarily shut down its 1,200km East-West pipeline as a precautionary measure after a drone attack that Riyadh and Baghdad stated originated in Iraq. This pipeline has been a vital conduit for Middle East oil exports, particularly as the Strait of Hormuz faces disruptions due to the ongoing war.

In parallel diplomatic efforts, senior officials from the Makkah pact countries—Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan—are scheduled to meet with Iranian officials in Tehran on Monday to discuss regional coordination. Saudi Arabia's delegation includes Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan is represented by army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin will also participate. Rayed Krimly, Saudi Arabia's Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, indicated on X that the visit aims to foster de-escalation and pursue diplomatic solutions to regional crises. These discussions represent the first high-level engagement between Iran and all members of the three-nation bloc since Saudi Arabia has faced escalating attacks from the Houthis. Qatari media also reported a Qatari delegation's presence in Tehran on Sunday.

Separately, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited Riyadh, where Saudi Arabia and Greece pledged to enhance security and defense cooperation and voiced shared concerns over attacks on energy infrastructure, according to a joint statement. Earlier, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held talks with Mr. Mitsotakis at the Royal Court in Al Yamamah Palace. Both sides emphasized the significance of their strategic partnership and the execution of joint initiatives. Bilateral trade reached approximately $1.7 billion in 2025, an increase from 2021 levels, as reported by the state-run Saudi Press Agency. The statement also noted that Riyadh and Athens committed to accelerating cooperation on a planned electricity interconnection project linking Saudi Arabia to Europe via Greece, and exploring opportunities for clean hydrogen exports from the kingdom to European markets. The leaders underscored the importance of safeguarding international maritime routes and ensuring uninterrupted energy supplies, expressing apprehension regarding attacks on energy infrastructure. Furthermore, the countries agreed to bolster cooperation in defense, cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, artificial intelligence, transportation, tourism, education, and health.