Saudi Arabia is engaging in diplomatic negotiations with the Houthi rebels through Oman, aiming to de-escalate rising tensions, according to sources cited by Bloomberg.
Simultaneously, the kingdom is readying its military forces in case the dialogue breaks down, underscoring a dual-track approach of peace and preparedness.
The United States has privately urged Saudi Arabia to refrain from a large-scale military response to recent Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.
Washington fears that a severe Saudi retaliation could further disrupt global shipping and energy markets, potentially leading to the closure of the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
An expanded conflict with the Houthis might also pull Riyadh into a broader confrontation with the terrorist regime of Iran, which backs the rebel group.
On July 20, the Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, prompting the Saudi-led coalition to immediately start escorting merchant ships through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait the next day.
In retaliation for what they called a violation of their blockade, the Houthis struck two Saudi oil tankers with missiles and drones, escalating the maritime standoff.
