Mansour Ali Mohammad Al-Maswari, NUIEC Scholar Lecture Series

Country of Origin: Yemen
Location: Canada

“The Risk of Renewed Escalation Between the Yemen’s Houthis and Saudi Arabia”

The Middle East is entering a new phase of geopolitical uncertainty as regional conflicts become increasingly interconnected. This talk examines the growing risk of renewed escalation between Yemen’s Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia in the context of the broader U.S.-Iran confrontation and its implications for regional security. The discussion is framed around recent developments, including Saudi airstrikes targeting Sana International Airport to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing, subsequent Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi targets, threats to disrupt Saudi airports, and the prospect of reciprocal economic and transportation restrictions. The presentation explores how a renewed Houthi-Saudi confrontation could extend beyond Yemen to affect the security of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints. It also considers the cumulative impact of simultaneous tensions in the Bab al-Mandab and the Strait of Hormuz, assessing the potential consequences for global energy supplies, international shipping, and regional stability. Beyond the immediate military developments, the talk places the current crisis within the broader trajectory of Yemen conflict since 2015.

By situating Yemen within the wider regional rivalry involving Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United States, the talk offers a comprehensive assessment of the risks of further escalation and discusses possible implications for regional order, maritime security, and international trade.

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