Houthi military capabilities have frightened Saudi Arabia.

The Houthis should respond to Saudi Arabia’s overtures. Their positive response can help bring peace to Yemen.

The Houthis have enhanced their military capabilities with Iranian support. They now have new classes of medium-range ballistic missiles, anti-ship missiles, and advanced drones.

They sank a British bulk carrier and killed 3 crew members on a Liberian carrier in March 2024 using anti-ship ballistic missiles.

It is said that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force and Hezbollah have provided critical support in improving Houthi capabilities.

We have seen in the past several months how the Houthis carried out cross border attacks. This capability of the Houthis has frightened Saudi Arabia. Now they are trying to strengthen their air defense systems to counter these threats.

Seeing the growing Houthi military capabilities, Saudi Arabia has started diplomatic negotiations with the Houthis. Oman is helping Saudis in peace talks. Saudi Arabia wants to get out of the prolonged conflict in Yemen.

Saudis want to prevent escalation and foster a mutual understanding that could lead to a more stable regional environment.

This diplomatic strategy shows a change in Saudi policy. Saudi Arabia wishes to stay out of more military engagements, especially in view of the expensive events of the Yemen war.

The Houthis should respond to Saudi Arabia’s overtures. Their positive response can help bring peace to Yemen.

Their response to Saudi peace overtures will help them be recognized as legitimate representatives of the Yemeni people and their demands for a significant role in any future governance structure.