BREAKING: HOUTHIS STRIKE SAUDI ARABIA'S LARGEST EASTERN AIRPORT - w/ Fmr. CIA Larry Johnson

Summary

The host and former CIA officer Larry Johnson discuss the reported escalation between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement, along with its regional and economic consequences.

• Reported airport strikes: The host says missiles hit Riyadh’s and Dammam’s international airports, with one cruise missile reportedly intercepted and another striking Dammam. He also mentions Saudi airstrikes in Sana’a and attacks on Sana’a’s airport. Johnson characterizes the conflict as tit-for-tat, arguing that Saudi Arabia initiated the latest escalation and that Western coverage emphasizes Houthi attacks while giving less attention to Saudi operations.

• Saudi air defenses and U.S. support: Johnson questions whether Saudi Arabia has effective air defenses and doubts that the United States can provide a decisive remedy, citing limited supplies of Patriot missiles and the risks and costs of U.S. air operations. He argues that Saudi Arabia is in a difficult position and that attacks on multiple airports would disrupt travel and transport.

• Fighting inside Yemen and possible talks: The host describes Houthi-aligned forces advancing toward Taiz, including reports of fighting inside the city. They also discuss a reported call between Iranian and Saudi foreign ministers. Johnson suggests Saudi Arabia may be seeking Iran’s help, but argues Iran cannot simply direct the Houthis to withdraw. He says a settlement would likely require Saudi Arabia to relinquish its ambitions for influence in Yemen.

• Saudi politics and regional alignments: Johnson contends that the war could weaken Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman by exposing Saudi vulnerabilities and adding to internal political pressures. He also argues that U.S. backing has failed to protect Gulf partners as they expected, potentially pushing Saudi Arabia toward negotiations or closer ties with other regional actors. He sees Iran as more influential in any talks with the Houthis than Pakistan or Turkey.

• Strait of Hormuz and energy supplies: The discussion refers to footage of burning ships and a reported tanker strike in the Gulf of Oman. Johnson warns that threats to shipping and damage to energy infrastructure could prolong shortages. He dismisses reported Russian fuel shipments to the United States as too small to materially ease the wider supply problem, and argues that the diesel shortage is structural and could persist for years even if fighting stopped soon.

• U.S. politics and Ukraine: Johnson disputes Donald Trump’s claims about fuel prices and an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, calling the ceasefire claim untrue. He predicts Republicans could lose control of Congress and compares the political outlook to the United Kingdom, where voters became disillusioned with both major parties.

• Iran, Israel, and Pakistan: Johnson says Iran is not fully isolated, citing economic links with Russia, China, and Pakistan, including cooperation over security concerns in Baluchistan. He doubts Israeli support would substantially improve Saudi Arabia’s position in Yemen, and suggests that Saudi engagement with Israel could further weaken MBS domestically.

Presenters and Contributors

• Nemo — Host
• Larry Johnson — Guest, former CIA officer