Saudi Arabia mulls military escalation in response to Houthi threats

Saudi Arabia mulls military escalation in response to Houthi threats Submitted by Sean Mathews on Thu, 07/16/2026 - 20:52 Saudi Arabian official says the US has given broad remit to pursue offensive strikes on the Houthis Supporters of Yemen's Houthis commemorate Eid al-Ghadir in Yemen's Sanaa, on 4 June 2026 (Mohammed Huwais/AFP) Off Saudi Arabia is weighing different options to deal with the Houthis, who are escalating their threats against the kingdom in a sign officials and analysts say could forebode a return to fighting in Yemen. The kingdom’s defence minister, Khalid bin Salman, has suggested that the US is giving Saudi Arabia leeway to pursue offensive strikes against the Houthis, multiple US and regional officials told Middle East Eye. However, its leadership has not made a decision.