Trump Withholds Aid to Saudi Ally Amid Yemen Quagmire, Analysts Say

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, U.S. military forces stationed near the Persian Gulf are reportedly in suboptimal combat readiness. Reports from Al Mayadeen, citing Mehr News Agency, indicate significant dissatisfaction and low morale among naval personnel, compounded by a severe shortage of ammunition and missiles. This situation presents the U.S. military command with two difficult choices.

The first option involves opening a new front against the Houthis, which would deplete remaining U.S. reserves and missiles, leaving the United States vulnerable in the event of increased tensions with Iran. The second option is to withdraw from the current conflict, thereby preserving troop readiness for any developments in a war with Iran.

Washington has thus far opted for the second strategy in response to the rapidly unfolding events in Yemen. This decision serves two primary objectives for the U.S. Firstly, it aims to prevent further surges in oil prices, as direct U.S. involvement in the conflict could lead the Houthis to permanently close the Bab al-Mandeb strait. Secondly, it serves as a punitive measure against Saudi Arabia for its reluctance to engage in direct military action against Iran and its pursuit of regional alliances designed to reduce reliance on U.S. support.

Intervention to halt the advance of Yemeni forces would necessitate sustained aerial bombardment lasting several days. Any limited strikes, according to the analysis, would prove ineffective and merely amplify future victories by the Houthi movement. Such a scenario would effectively represent a dual defeat for both the United States and Saudi Arabia.