Saudi Arabia appears to be grappling with serious challenges regarding its military partnerships as Iran-backed Houthi forces intensify assaults on its military and energy infrastructure. The situation escalated recently when the Houthis seized the significant Red Sea port of Mokha, threatening critical shipping routes in the region. As tensions rose between the Houthis and Saudi-aligned Yemeni forces, the Kingdom reached out to the United States for military assistance.

In response to the worsening conflict, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) reportedly initiated contact with former President Donald Trump, urging him to consider launching military strikes against the Houthis. However, Trump’s response was a firm refusal, as US officials indicated that there are currently no plans for direct military intervention by the United States.

This refusal has exposed ongoing unpredictability in US-Pakistan relations and the broader geopolitical landscape involving Saudi Arabia. The chain of events unfolded as the Houthis prepared for additional offensives against Saudi operations, bringing the situation to a boiling point. MBS’s first call involved a briefing on the developments and the need for urgent action. A subsequent call reiterated the call for US airstrikes as Saudi forces faced retreat.

Trump’s Rejection and Strategic Calculations

According to reports, the US administration is hesitant to open another military front amid the ongoing tensions with Iran. The approach seems to focus more on monitoring the situation rather than engaging directly in the conflict. Although the US has pledged to provide intelligence regarding Houthi activities, the responsibility for action appears to rest with regional partners.

Trump’s administration explicitly aims to concentrate American military efforts on Iran and safeguarding strategic waterways like the Strait of Hormuz. This decision comes at a time when uncertainties pervade the political landscape in the region, leaving Saudi Arabia in a precarious situation as it searches for reliable allies amidst the ongoing conflict.

The reluctance of the US to intervene militarily raises questions regarding the effectiveness of alliances and commitments with countries like Pakistan, which initially seemed poised to offer support. The lack of immediate actionable help from the US complicates the dynamics as Saudi Arabia continues to face external threats.

Pakistan’s Stance on the Mecca Defence Pact

Earlier last week, Pakistan had hinted at a willingness to assist Saudi Arabia, asserting that the terms of the recently signed Mecca Joint Defence Agreement would come into play should conflict cross into Saudi territory. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had cautioned that the situation could escalate if Houthi attacks intensified, illustrating Pakistan’s supposed commitment to the alliance.

However, this firm posturing rapidly dissolved within a day when the Pakistan foreign ministry clarified that the Mecca pact was merely a “defensive alliance.” They dismissed claims suggesting that Islamabad was planning any military action against the Houthis. Officials emphasised that the agreement is primarily focused on deterrence rather than proactive military intervention.

Moreover, while Pakistani forces are deployed in Saudi Arabia for training purposes, the retraction of support has led to criticism from international observers and analysts. This turn of events reflects a reluctance to engage in military risks on behalf of Saudi Arabia, leaving the Kingdom to reassess its strategic options while facing the mounting challenge from the Houthis.

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