Iran prepared a trap for Saudi Arabia - but Israel may be the big winner | Dr. Anat Hochberg-Marom

A wave of Houthi attacks initiated by Iran, the most severe in a decade, is damaging Saudi Arabia and threatening its 'Vision 2030' plans. Oil exports to Asia plunged from 3.4 million barrels to 128,000; the price of Brent soared to $105. The article argues that Iranian pressure may align the interests of Israel and Saudi Arabia toward normalization.

The wave of Houthi attacks initiated by Iran, described as the most severe attack on Saudi Arabia in the past decade, is undermining the kingdom's stability and threatening the ambitious development plans of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, including the 'NEOM' project. The attack on Riyadh airport, cited as the most severe, came in response to a Saudi coalition operation against Iran-backed militias. The article notes that Saudi oil exports to Asia plunged from 3.4 million barrels per day in June to only 128,000 in August, and the price of Brent crude soared to $105 a barrel, with Goldman Sachs forecasting a crossing of the $120 threshold if the fighting continues. According to estimates, Saudi GDP is expected to contract by 3.6% in 2026. The article argues that Iranian pressure on Saudi Arabia may actually align the interests of Jerusalem and Riyadh, soften Saudi opposition to normalization with Israel, and build trust ahead of direct talks. However, the article does not present the voice of Iran or the Houthis, and does not examine the security price Israel may pay.