Vijay:Saudi Arabia Has No Easy Way Out Iran at Hormuz,Yemen at the Red Sea,Riyadh Airport Hit Again

China’s Diplomatic Role

Vijay Prashad described Beijing as a venue for negotiations, citing the Iran–Saudi dialogue and talks among Palestinian factions. He argued that China, BRICS countries, and others favor diplomacy but have limited ability to compel states to pursue it. In his view, actions by the United States and its allies have obstructed some efforts at negotiation.

Contested Maritime Routes

Prashad said the Strait of Hormuz remains restricted, with Iran and Oman seeking security guarantees before allowing full transit. Regarding Bab al-Mandab, he said Ansar Allah had seized Mocha and Mayun Island, while also describing Mocha as still contested.

He argued that pressure or control over both routes leaves Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states without an easy maritime exit.

Saudi Arabia Under Pressure

Prashad said Saudi Arabia had again attacked Yemen and that Ansar Allah retaliated by striking King Khalid International Airport. He condemned attacks on civilian targets, while arguing that the airport strike increased pressure on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and left Riyadh uncertain how to respond.

Ansar Allah’s Independent Aims

Prashad stressed that Iran does not negotiate on behalf of Yemenis and that Ansar Allah has independent aims, including resisting Saudi influence. He suggested the group may have taken advantage of an opportunity to seize a coastal city and could seek to collect fees or provide maritime security at Bab al-Mandab, drawing a parallel with Iran’s restrictions at Hormuz.

Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Risks

Prashad said the Iranian and Saudi foreign ministers had recently discussed Bab al-Mandab and the need to avoid further escalation. He argued that Iran has an interest in de-escalation, partly because a wider conflict could jeopardize the Saudi–Turkey–Pakistan agreement he referred to as the “Mecca agreement” and potentially put Pakistan under pressure to intervene militarily.

Wider Regional and Global Involvement

Prashad said the Bab al-Mandab dispute involves more than Yemen and Saudi Arabia. He pointed to alleged Israeli and Emirati interests on the African coast, including support for a Somaliland port project, and noted the presence of foreign military bases in Djibouti, including China’s.

He also alleged that Ukrainian drone operators and equipment are involved in conflicts connected to Yemen and the Gulf, arguing that theaters of war are increasingly linked.

Possible Trump–Putin Meeting

Prashad predicted that Xi Jinping could host Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin at a G20 gathering in Shenzhen later in the year. He suggested the meeting might address Ukraine and broader international tensions, and could help shape a path toward resolving Gulf disputes.

Presenters and Contributors

• Zulfiqar Ali: Host and interviewer
• Vijay Prashad