These developments cannot be read solely as an internal Yemeni battle, as the Bab al-Mandab is a direct part of the regional and international security equation. Houthi control over areas near the strait gives the group—and thus Iran—the ability to threaten one of the most important maritime passages that negatively impacts Jordanian trade and the Suez Canal. Any prolonged disruption in this passage means higher transportation and insurance costs, rerouting of ships, and increased energy and commodity prices, harming the global, Arab, and Jordanian economies in particular.
Hence, Saudi support for the Yemeni government forces is understandable as a defense of the Kingdom's security and the security of the Red Sea region. It is clear that Riyadh will not back down from the option of ending Houthi control over the coast and the maritime passage.