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How the Iran-Backed Houthis Cornered Saudi Arabia Into a New Conflict
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- A fragile truce in Yemen between the Saudi-led coalition and Iran-backed Houthi militia has collapsed after more than four years, leading to renewed conflict.
- Peace talks had stalled, with Houthis growing frustrated and Saudi Arabia reluctant to re-engage in combat due to previous costly and prolonged military campaigns.
- Recent escalations are influenced by broader U.S.-Iran tensions, with the Houthis seeking to leverage their position for political and economic gains, including control over Yemeni oil revenue.
- Saudi Arabia aims to avoid another drawn-out conflict, having suffered financial strain and reputational damage from the previous war, while the Houthis appear willing to risk further confrontation to strengthen their influence.
- Analysts suggest the Houthis are acting both to support their ally Iran and to pressure the Saudi-led coalition and international community into political concessions regarding Yemen.
