Will NATO soon join the Yemen battlefield? After UK, France now joins Saudi shield against Houthis

Saudi Arabia is facing growing pressure from Houthi missile and drone attacks, with the strategic oil hub of Yanbu emerging as a key target. Now, France is stepping in with troops, radar systems and air-defense assets to help protect the kingdom’s critical infrastructure. French President Emmanuel Macron has stressed that the mission will be defensive and that French forces will not join Saudi Arabia’s fighting in Yemen. The move comes after Saudi Arabia reported intercepting missiles targeting Taif and Yanbu, while Iran-backed Houthis have claimed attacks on Saudi military and energy sites. Britain has also agreed to deploy an RAF Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker, while Pakistan has pledged to defend Saudi Arabia “to any extent.” As Riyadh seeks support from its allies, what does France’s intervention mean for the Gulf conflict and MBS’ new defence partnerships?