Saudi Arabia Expands Defensive Alliances Amid Houthi Oil Attacks

Saudi Arabia has moved to strengthen its regional security posture by signing a defence pact with Turkey and Pakistan and by proposing a multinational maritime coalition to protect Red-Sea shipping. The moves follow Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure, including a refinery in Jizan and installations in Yanbu. In response to disrupted export routes, Saudi crude is increasingly routed through the Sumed pipeline to Egypt’s Mediterranean port of Sidi Kerir for transshipment to Europe.

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The escalation follows the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28. Since then, Iran-aligned Houthi forces have intensified attacks on Saudi targets, declaring a naval blockade of the kingdom’s Red-Sea coast in July. Saudi officials have sought to avoid being labeled a co-belligerent with the United States and Israel, initially pursuing diplomatic channels before limited, secretive military responses.

The Straits Times

• February 28 – US and Israel begin war on Iran; Saudi Arabia adopts a diplomatic-first approach.

The Straits Times

• July 13 – Houthi missile attacks on Saudi territory begin (Saudi Foreign Ministry).

Al Jazeera (website)

• July 20 – Prior to the embargo, Saudi oil exports via the Bab el-Mandeb Strait reached 11 million barrels per week.

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• July 22 – Commercial vessel attacks by the Houthis commence (Saudi Foreign Ministry).

Al Jazeera (website)

• August 8 – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan describes the Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan pact as comparable to NATO’s Article 5.

The Straits Times

• August 9 – Saudi Arabia welcomes a UN Security Council statement condemning Houthi attacks.

Saudi Arabia, Qatar welcome UN Security Council condemnation of Houthi attacks

• Exports of Saudi crude through the Sumed pipeline to Sidi Kerir rose to about 2.3 million barrels per day in August, up from roughly 1 million bpd the previous month (Kpler).

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• Shipments from Yanbu via the Bab el-Mandeb Strait fell nearly 90 % to 1.3 million barrels during the week of early August, compared with the July 20 level.

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• 14 regional countries have signed on to the proposed Red-Sea maritime coalition, with additional nations under consideration.

The Straits Times

• The Saudi Foreign Ministry welcomed the UN Security Council’s condemnation of Houthi missile attacks and reiterated the kingdom’s right to defend its territory, citizens, resources and facilities in accordance with international law.

Saudi Arabia, Qatar welcome UN Security Council condemnation of Houthi attacks Saudi Arabia welcomes UN condemnation of Houthi attacks Al Jazeera (website)The Straits Times

• The Saudi Ministry of Energy reported that a fire at the Jizan refinery was extinguished with no casualties.

Al Jazeera (website)

• “This is all very concerning and is exactly what Saudi Arabia wanted to avoid,” — Aziz al, and pick it up at Sidi Kerir, Smith

The Straits Times

• “It is a big dislocation that is happening here,” — Matt Smith, director of commodity research at Kpler

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The redirection of Saudi crude through the Sumed pipeline alters global oil logistics, potentially raising freight costs and affecting European energy markets. The defence pact and maritime coalition signal a shift toward collective regional deterrence, aiming to curb Houthi aggression without drawing Saudi Arabia directly into the broader US-Israel-Iran conflict.

The Straits Times

Saudi officials plan to formalise the maritime coalition in upcoming meetings in Jeddah, with the goal of announcing its official formation imminently. Operational details, including rules of engagement and participation of the 14 signatory states, remain under discussion.

The Straits Times