Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing for a large-scale military operation against the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, including a possible naval assault and a ground offensive aimed at breaking the group’s grip on key Red Sea shipping routes.

According to reports citing Yemeni sources, Saudi forces have been repositioning in eastern Yemen in what is believed to be preparation for a broader campaign. The effort is reportedly intended to restore secure oil export routes through the southern Red Sea after the Houthis announced a blockade on Saudi shipping earlier this month.

Saudi Arabia is also working to establish a multinational naval coalition to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. According to reports, 14 countries—including Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, Sudan, and Djibouti—have issued a joint statement supporting the initiative.

The Houthis, who control Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and much of the country’s Red Sea coastline, announced on July 20 that they were imposing a blockade on Saudi vessels. The group said the blockade would remain in place until Saudi Arabia lifts restrictions it has imposed on Yemen, while insisting the dispute is centered on Yemen rather than a direct confrontation with Iran.

Saudi Arabia has also reportedly asked the United States and several European nations—including Germany, France, Britain, and Italy—to join the maritime coalition. It remains unclear whether the Houthis intend to target only Saudi-linked vessels or broader commercial shipping.

The reported escalation comes as the Red Sea has become increasingly vital to Saudi oil exports. Since the outbreak of the conflict with Iran, much of the kingdom’s crude oil exports have relied on the Strait of Hormuz, making alternative export routes through the Red Sea strategically important.

According to the report, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman recently held urgent meetings with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance to discuss the next steps. While Saudi Arabia is determined to protect its energy infrastructure and shipping lanes, officials reportedly believe diplomacy remains preferable to a wider military conflict with Iran.

Saudi Arabia previously led a seven-year military campaign against the Houthis from 2015 to 2022 in support of Yemen’s internationally recognized government, but the coalition achieved only limited military success.

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