The cost of Iran’s regional leverage
Summary
A 2023 agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran helped reduce direct conflict but tensions rose again after Iran-backed Houthi attacks on Saudi cities. The fighting in Yemen has spread beyond its borders, affecting strategic waterways and raising concerns about regional stability.Key Facts
- In 2023, Saudi Arabia and Iran made an agreement to reduce direct conflict while continuing rivalry.
- Earlier in 2024, Iran attacked Saudi Arabia, leading to Saudi Arabia expelling Iranian embassy staff.
- The Houthis, a group in Yemen supported by Iran, launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities on September 8, 2024.
- The attacks targeted cities like Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jizan, and Najran in Saudi Arabia.
- Fighting near Bab al-Mandeb, a critical shipping route by Yemen, increased during this time.
- The conflict caused tens of thousands of people in Yemen to be displaced and some fled to Djibouti.
- Control of key maritime areas like the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb has become more important due to pressures on shipping routes.
- Iran’s broader strategy benefits from instability in Yemen, creating regional pressure points beyond Yemen’s borders.
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