Trump Links Saudi Nuclear Deal to Abraham Accords Amid Houthi Attacks

Donald Trump conditioned the finalization of a bilateral civil nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia on the kingdom joining the Abraham Accords. Trump stated on Monday that the United States is not currently involved in the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi rebels, though he suggested the U.S. might intervene if a problem arises. He argued that Iran no longer poses a sufficient threat to justify Saudi Arabia's hesitation to join the accords.

These diplomatic pressures coincide with a surge in hostilities. Houthi rebels claimed to have launched drone strikes against sensitive Saudi crude oil supply and transport infrastructure moving from eastern Saudi Arabia to Yanbu. Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesperson, stated the attacks were retaliation for Saudi drone incursions into Yemeni airspace and the downing of a Saudi Bayraktar Akinci drone on July 26. The rebels also established a maritime blockade of the kingdom.

In response, the internationally recognized government of Yemen declared it is prepared for any escalations. Foreign minister designate Afrah al-Zouba claimed the Houthis are attempting to replicate Iranian maneuvers from the Strait of Hormuz to seize control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a critical waterway for Saudi crude oil exports. This exchange marks the first significant spike in violence between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in years, threatening a 2022 truce.