‘They called us’: Has Trump abandoned Bab al-Mandeb to the Houthis?

The recent push by Houthi forces along the Yemeni border with Saudi Arabia has tested the effectiveness of U.S. security guarantees in the Gulf region, raising questions about whether American military support can fully deter or counter threats from non-state actors. While Washington has maintained a strong presence in the area through military bases and partnerships, the evolving nature of conflicts in the Middle East—particularly those involving armed groups with Iranian backing—has complicated traditional defense strategies. Analysts suggest the incident highlights potential vulnerabilities in the U.S. approach to regional security, particularly as traditional adversaries and proxy conflicts reshape the geopolitical landscape. The situation underscores broader debates over the sustainability of long-term U.S. military engagement in the face of shifting threats.

Washington’s response to the Houthi advance exposes the limits of the US security umbrella in the Gulf.