Houthi supporters march holding signs calling for a "boycott of American and Israeli products," in Hodeida, on Yemen's west coast, on September 18, 2026. Photo Zayed al-Waqidi/AFP

Yemen exposes the limits of the US-Saudi alliance

The Houthis have shown Riyadh that the U.S. umbrella is not automatic.

24 Sep 2026, 08:32 by Joe Macaron · L'Orient Today

The Houthi offensive in Yemen added a new element to the U.S.-Iran standoff, but above all, it has exposed the limits of the U.S.-Saudi alliance. As Riyadh seeks to contain the Houthis’ advance and urges Washington to intervene, U.S. President Donald Trump continues negotiations with Tehran and its Yemeni allies. The White House is seeking to maintain pressure on the Islamic Republic without triggering another regional war that could drive up energy prices.This new reality highlights a divergence between Washington and Riyadh. For Trump, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait matters more than Yemen. Aware of this, the Iran-aligned group reassured him on what matters most to him: namely the freedom of navigation for U.S. vessels in the Red Sea. Read more Why the Houthis’ victory matters far beyond Yemen For Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), by...

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