Saudi Arabia is facing growing pressure as Iran-aligned Houthis advance along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and threaten the strategic Bab al-Mandab chokepoint. With the maritime route crucial to Saudi oil exports and global trade, Riyadh is reportedly seeking greater military backing from its Western partners after concerns over the limits of existing support. The crisis has intensified following Houthi territorial gains, attacks on Saudi targets and disruption to key energy infrastructure. Could the Bab al-Mandab advance trigger a wider energy and shipping crisis? And is Riyadh now turning to Britain and other allies for urgent help?
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