Fresh attacks by Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen on Saudi Arabia have increased pressure on the kingdom and raised concerns over global oil supplies.
The Houthis said on Monday that they launched dozens of missiles and drones at a Saudi military airbase in Khamis Mushait, near the Yemen border. They claimed the attack targeted aircraft hangars, radar systems, runways and ammunition depots.
The group said the strikes were in retaliation for Saudi airstrikes on Yemen in recent days.
Saudi authorities also issued emergency alerts in several southern cities. The Saudi-led coalition said 13 civilians were wounded in the attacks.
Saudi Oil Pipeline Remains Shut
The attacks came after Saudi Arabia shut down its major East-West oil pipeline following a drone attack.
The kingdom blamed the earlier attack on Iran-backed militias in Iraq. Baghdad condemned the attack and ordered an investigation.
The 1,200 kilometre pipeline carries Saudi crude from the Gulf to the Red Sea, allowing the country to export oil without using the Strait of Hormuz.
The pipeline has reportedly been carrying between 4 million and 5 million barrels of oil per day in recent months. A prolonged shutdown could therefore affect a significant share of global oil supplies.
Saudi Arabia has not announced when the pipeline will resume normal operations.
Oil Prices Rise
The combination of the pipeline disruption, attacks on Saudi Arabia and growing risks around major shipping routes pushed oil prices higher.
Brent crude futures rose to around $106.93 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate reached about $102.65.
Traders are closely watching the situation because continued disruption to Saudi exports could further tighten global oil supplies.
Iran Gulf Talks Postponed
Oman was scheduled to host talks between Iran and Gulf Arab states on Monday aimed at discussing negotiations over reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
However, Oman’s foreign minister announced that the meeting had been postponed in the interest of consensus.
Iran said the postponement was requested by Saudi Arabia.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. Any prolonged disruption could have major consequences for energy markets and international trade.
Iran has also issued a list of 77 ships that it said violated its rules for operating in the strait and warned that those vessels could face restrictions on future passage.
Houthis Open Another Front
The latest fighting has expanded the wider West Asia conflict into Yemen.
The Houthis have also made advances along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, including the reported capture of strategic territory near the Bab el Mandeb Strait.
The waterway connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is an important route for global shipping.
Saudi Arabia has led a coalition fighting the Houthis since 2015. The conflict had largely eased in recent years following a ceasefire, but fighting has intensified again.
Saudi Arabia Seeks US Support
The escalation has also created a difficult situation for Washington.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper in Jeddah on Monday, according to Saudi state media.
Reuters reported that Riyadh had sought American military assistance against the Houthis. Washington has so far stopped short of agreeing to direct US strikes, although intelligence and targeting support have reportedly been offered.
The United States is now facing pressure to support its Saudi ally while avoiding a wider military intervention that could further expand the regional conflict.
