Can Saudi Arabia beat the Houthis? | Global Faultlines podcast

Saudi Arabia has spent the past few years trying to reshape its role in West Asia, moving away from confrontation with Iran, and seeking an end to the war in Yemen.However, the Iran war has changed the regional landscape. The resurgence of the Houthis, attacks on Saudi territory and energy infrastructure, and growing questions over the U.S. security guarantee have exposed the challenges facing Riyadh. At the same time, Saudi Arabia is navigating an increasingly complex relationship with the UAE, Israel and Iran.How is the war changing Saudi Arabia’s regional strategy? Can Riyadh keep its economic transformation insulated from the conflicts around it? And what role does Saudi Arabia see for itself in a rapidly changing West Asia?In this episode of Global Faultlines, we examine Saudi Arabia’s changing position in the region and the challenges confronting Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitions.Expert: Stanly Johny, International Affairs Editor, The Hindu Research, Editing and Production: Sharmada Venkatasubramanian Camera: Shivaraj SListen to more Global Faultlines podcasts: Published - September 23, 2026 04:00 pm IST