World
• Analysis
Saudi Arabia Houthi Attacks Expose Gulf Risk as US Weighs Options
Yemen's Tehran-backed Houthis have scaled up drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia, hitting airports and oil facilities. A new debate examines the kingdom's exposure - and why a hesitant Washington, low on ammunition and facing midterms, is holding back.
By Haut Monde Post
• October 12, 2026
• 2 Min Read
Strikes on airports and oil facilities
The Houthi drone and missile attacks have intensified, with the strikes landing on airports and oil facilities inside Saudi Arabia, according to the programme's framing. In the same assessment, Iran's retaliation tied to Donald Trump's war is described as having suddenly exposed the vulnerability of neighbouring Gulf states.
The targets under discussion include:
- •airports in Saudi Arabia
- •Saudi oil facilities
- •the wider exposure of Gulf states to Houthi strikes
A restrained Washington
The programme argues the United States is low on ammunition and hesitant to open a new front of its own so close to the US midterm elections. It adds that American voters are described as angry over forever wars and the prices at the pump.
Damage and Riyadh's choices
The debate weighs the physical and material damage from the strikes and the repercussions for the kingdom's ability to project strength. It also reviews the options available to Saudi crown prince Mohamed Ben Salman as the Houthis press on.
The price of energy
Finally, the discussion asks whether global energy supply chains will ever be the same, framing it as the whole planet paying the price for Trump's decision to attack Iran. The episode, issued on 12 October 2026, was produced by François Picard, Rebecca Gnignati, Juliette Laffont, Ilayda Habip and Charles Wente.
