Game changer in the Gulf? The European country considering aiding Saudi Arabia against the Houthis

Britain is considering providing Saudi Arabia with defensive military support against the Houthis, including aerial refueling, aiming to stabilize the region and reduce threats to shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Prime Minister Andy Burnham is inclined to approve the move, which could be one of his most significant military decisions since taking office in July. The US has not yet committed to assistance beyond intelligence.

Britain is considering providing Saudi Arabia with military support against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Prime Minister Andy Burnham is inclined to offer assistance that Britain defines as defensive, aiming to stabilize the region and reduce threats to shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategic waterway for container ships and oil tankers. According to a report by Bloomberg, the aid may include aerial refueling support. The government in London is expected to pressure other countries to join. The Saudi request to the US and Britain came following an escalation in Houthi attacks and the seizure of territory in Yemen, including the port of Mokha and islands near the strait. The US, which seeks to reduce tensions with Iran, has not yet committed to assistance beyond intelligence but has announced a plan to provide Saudi Arabia with about 50 F-35 jets. Attacks on Saudi Arabia, including a drone strike that disabled the main oil pipeline, have pushed energy prices upward, with Brent crude trading around $100 per barrel. Prime Minister Burnham has departed for the US to attend the UN General Assembly.