Caught between the Straits: Saudi Arabia’s Double Dilemma in Yemen

This paper examines how the Houthis’ recent advances in Yemen and their control of strategic access to the Red Sea have placed Saudi Arabia under mounting security and economic pressure. It explores Riyadh’s dilemma between military escalation and renewed engagement with the Houthis, its search for stronger regional and international partnerships, and efforts to reduce its vulnerability to disruptions of key trade and energy routes. The paper concludes by outlining options for Germany and Europe to support regional stability through closer security cooperation, strengthened governance in Yemen, and sustained diplomatic engagement.