Yemen Monitor/Washington/Special:
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman at the Pentagon to reaffirm the strong defense partnership between the US and Saudi Arabia, in a new effort to discuss the security track in Yemen.
The Saudi delegation included the Kingdom’s Ambassador to Yemen, Mohammed Al Jaber.
It appears that the new US President Donald Trump’s administration is seeking a new strategy in the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula region, based on prioritizing regional nationalism over its narrow focus on Iran’s nuclear program.
Sources told “Yemen Monitor” earlier that the Trump administration discussed with Saudi and Emirati officials – before Trump’s inauguration in January – a new and clear US strategy in Yemen and the Red Sea.
According to Saudi media, the two leaders affirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral defense relations, considering this relationship a cornerstone of security and prosperity in the region. US Defense Secretary Hegseth affirmed President Donald Trump’s firm commitment to preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and working with allies to neutralize Houthi threats to regional security and global trade.
Nidwa Al-Dossari, a researcher associated with regional countries, said, “The recent US engagement with Saudi Arabia indicates a strategic shift in Middle East policy, where regional security is prioritized over the narrow focus on Iran’s nuclear program during the Obama and Biden eras.”
“Saudi Arabia is no longer a ‘free rider’ but is positioning itself as a regional leader and an international player,” Al-Dossari says.
The discussion covered a wide range of bilateral, regional, and global security priorities. Minister Hegseth highlighted the importance of maintaining interoperability between US and Saudi forces as a key investment in regional stability. The two officials agreed to remain in close coordination, with Minister Hegseth accepting Prince Khalid bin Salman’s invitation to visit Saudi Arabia in the near future.
Earlier this month, the US Department of Defense said in a statement that Hegseth welcomed Saudi Arabia’s contributions to regional security in a call with Prince Khalid bin Salman and encouraged continued cooperation in addressing common challenges. He added that the two sides agreed to remain in close contact and coordination in areas of mutual interest.
Saudi Arabia came under intense pressure to end its military campaign against the Houthis in Yemen, according to Al-Dossari, who adds: “It announced a ceasefire with the Houthis in 2022 and has sought rapprochement with Iran since 2023, redirecting focus towards its economic Vision 2030 and rebranding itself as a regional and global mediator.”
Nidwa Al-Dossari continued, “Despite the diplomatic shift, Saudi Arabia’s vulnerability to the Houthis remains a serious concern. From 2015 to 2022, the Houthis launched 1,350 missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia. They have consistently threatened to resume attacks if Riyadh engages in any action against them.”
She pointed to the rare regional variables where Iran has become weak and the Houthi group has been designated as a “terrorist organization.” She said: “The US is likely to support military action. Only time will tell if Riyadh will seize this unique opportunity to redefine its regional security posture and assert its leadership in the Middle East and the world.”
The Saudi Defense Minister said in a post on the “X” platform that he discussed with his US counterpart in Washington ways to enhance defense cooperation and regional and international developments.
He added, “During the meeting, we affirmed the historical friendship and strategic partnership between our two countries, discussed ways to enhance and develop them in the military and defense fields, and reviewed the latest regional and international developments and the efforts made towards them to achieve security and stability.”
The executive order issued by the US State Department states: “It is US policy to work with regional partners to degrade the capabilities and operations of the Houthis, deny them resources, and thereby end their attacks against US personnel and civilians, US partners, and vessels transiting the Red Sea.”
Currently, key international and regional actors agree on the global threat posed by Houthi-controlled areas. Therefore, if Yemeni forces receive greater US support to stop the armed movement’s smuggling networks, the Yemeni government and its allied forces in the southern, western, and eastern regions will be better able to re-establish an institutional presence in the country.
