Middle East Tensions Reach New Peak as Saudi Arabia Prepares Air Campaign in Response to Yemen Rebel Seizure

Tensions in the Middle East have once again reached a peak. Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have seized the strategically important port of Mokha. The capture is located near the Strait of Bab al-Mandeb, which is an important part of the global shipping route passing through the Red Sea. This poses a direct threat to Saudi Arabia's oil exports and international trade. Oil prices have risen sharply. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called US President Donald Trump twice and demanded a direct military strike. But Trump has refused. Now Saudi Arabia is preparing to conduct its own air campaign with its powerful air force. This development is rekindling the Yemen conflict. The Houthis have pushed back Saudi-backed Yemeni forces, advancing rapidly in the past few days. In addition to the port of Mokha, they are also gaining control of the surrounding areas and islands. The Strait of Bab al-Mandeb is one of the busiest sea routes in the world. This poses a major threat to global oil supplies and shipping traffic through Europe.