Saudi Arabia is now under pressure at two vital chokepoints at once: the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

The conflict with the Houthis in Yemen has intensified, while Iran’s blockade of Hormuz continues.

The present fighting rests on a long history of border, migration and sectarian tension.

• Border history: Yemen gave up three Asir provinces to Saudi Arabia under the Treaty of Taif (1934). Some Yemenis still question the border, demarcated in 2000.
• Sectarian divide: Saudi Arabia is mainly Sunni, while the Zaydi Shia Houthis form about one-third of Yemen’s population.
• Civil war: The Yemeni civil war is about 12 years old, and Saudi Arabia backs anti-Houthi Sunni factions.
• Iran link: The Houthis are close to Iran, but they are not merely an Iranian proxy.

Pressure on the two straits together threatens Saudi oil exports.

• Hormuz: Iran’s blockade of the strait threatens exports from the Gulf coast. Global oil prices have risen by about 70%, according to the source.
• Bab al-Mandeb: The strait carries nearly 12% of global maritime traffic. Houthi control of the nearby coast threatens Saudi-linked shipping.
• Pipeline route: As earlier reports on India’s crude sourcing noted, Saudi Arabia used its Red Sea pipeline to bypass Hormuz, and that oil moves through the Red Sea. This makes Bab al-Mandeb even more important.
• Limits of power: Saudi Arabia has an $83 billion defence budget, but it lacks the force to dislodge the Houthis from mountainous terrain.

• Military route: A ground offensive is unlikely to work, and allies and partners have responded with limited support.
• Negotiated route: The workable path is a package to de-escalate, lift mutual air and sea blockades, and return to a truce based on the 2022 ceasefire.
• Costs of talks: Saudi Arabia may lose prestige, Yemen’s recognised government may collapse, and the Tehran–Sanaa axis may be strengthened.
• Wider risk: A quick end to the Yemen crisis would help protect Saudi Arabia from the next round of US–Iran conflict, when Iran may hit Gulf states seen as US partners.

India is not directly involved, but it is exposed to the effects.

• Energy and supplies: Disrupted trade has raised oil, gas and fertiliser prices and interrupted supplies.
• Diaspora: About nine million Indians live in the Gulf, and their safety is a major concern.
• Historical lesson: Repatriating 1,60,000 Indians from Kuwait in 1990–91 added to the economic crisis, when India pledged its gold. The Gulf population is now over 50 times larger.
• Diplomatic balance: India has ties with Saudi Arabia, Iran and the UAE, so any evacuation or mediation role needs careful balancing.

• Two fronts: A threat at both chokepoints leaves no safe alternative route.
• Weak mediation: Peace efforts are scattered, and the main parties distrust each other.
• Attacks on infrastructure: Strikes on cities, airports and energy sites raise risks for investors and workers.
• Spillover: Another round of US–Iran conflict could widen the war across the Gulf.