Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States, Princess Reema bint Bandar, called for a unified international effort to defeat the Iran-backed Houthi militia, warning that the group poses significant threats to regional security, global trade, and energy markets. In an opinion piece published on Tuesday, she argued that the Houthis must face the same global determination that led to the defeat of past terrorist organizations.

Princess Reema highlighted that Abdul-Malik Al-Houthi, the group's leader, has spent nearly two decades building a network supported by Iran. She noted that the Houthis have repeatedly violated ceasefire agreements, using these pauses to rearm for subsequent attacks. Recently, she said, the group’s threats to close the Bab Al-Mandab Strait—a critical chokepoint for international maritime trade—along with their strikes on Saudi energy infrastructure, have contributed to a surge in oil prices above $100 per barrel.

Drawing parallels with the rise and fall of Daesh, the ambassador described the Houthis as currently underestimated but equally dangerous. She pointed out that Daesh was ultimately defeated through the combined efforts of local forces backed by a coalition of more than 80 countries. Princess Reema argued that the same approach could be applied to counter the Houthi militia.

To effectively address the threat, she recommended that the international community establish a clear objective to end the Houthis as an armed terrorist entity. This would involve designating the group as a terrorist organization in all countries, disrupting their financial networks, intercepting arms shipments by sea, and supporting Yemen’s internationally recognized government with the resources necessary to fulfill its goals.

Princess Reema’s call comes amid escalating tensions in the region, with continued violence and instability complicating efforts to restore peace in Yemen and maintain the security of vital maritime routes. The ambassador’s remarks underscore Saudi Arabia’s position that coordinated global action is essential to ensuring stability and safeguarding economic interests affected by ongoing conflict.