America and Saudi Arabia in Dire Straits!
Even as Pressure from Iran Eases, Houthi Strikes Intensify!
# Bharat Dahal
The United States has already been severely strained by the conflict with Iran. Warning that military stockpiles are approaching dangerous levels, the head of the U.S. Joint Chiefs has reportedly pressed President Donald Trump to find a way out of the Iran war. Trump’s “MAGA” movement has fractured, while prominent figures including Tucker Carlson have issued a ten-point declaration of revolt. Deep divisions have emerged within Trump’s own camp, and his popularity has fallen to around 40 percent.
Israel did not accept the ceasefire understanding with Iran from the outset. It has now also rejected Trump’s 15-point Gaza peace proposal. Iran, meanwhile, has declared that there will be no agreement with the United States over control of the Strait of Hormuz. Israel refuses Trump’s proposals, Iran refuses negotiations, the military establishment is pressing for an exit strategy, and once-reliable supporters have begun openly rebelling.
As Washington searches for a way out through limited bargaining, Iran appears to be pursuing a strategy of prolonging the confrontation and weakening the United States and its allies through sustained pressure. Within this framework, the Houthis have become increasingly active. Their attacks against Saudi Arabia have intensified, inflicting significant losses. Over three consecutive days of fighting, they reportedly killed around 70 soldiers belonging to U.S.- and Saudi-backed forces in northern Yemen and shot down an MQ-9 Reaper drone, one of the United States’ most important unmanned aerial systems.
The Houthis are now creating major disruption. They have effectively closed the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea. Together, Iran and the Houthis are disrupting routes through which a substantial share of the world’s oil and gas exports move. Even if direct Iranian military pressure has eased, the Houthis have begun intensifying pressure on Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Washington therefore faces an increasingly difficult choice: either restrain Israel and reach an agreement acceptable to Iran, or remain trapped in a prolonged cycle of resistance and confrontation. Recent developments have also reinforced the argument that the United States cannot easily bring the Houthis under control.
— Chairman, Trimul Nepal and Political Analyst
