Skip to main content

US hopes Saudi-Iranian deal can dent arms flow to Yemen's Houthis

A senior US government official says the Houthi rebel group in Yemen is likely feeling the pressure after its main backer, Iran, agreed to restore relations with Saudi Arabia.
MOHAMMED HUWAIS/AFP via Getty Images

WASHINGTON — The rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran could curb weapons smuggling to Yemen’s Houthis and turn up the pressure on the rebels after eight years of grueling war, a senior US government official told Al-Monitor. 

The agreement reached in China this month to resume diplomatic relations between the two regional heavyweights will be put to the test in Yemen, a venue for proxy warfare between Saudi Arabia, which leads a military coalition supporting the internationally recognized government, and Iran, which backs the country’s Houthi rebels. 

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.