The world is currently mired in at least 65 active conflicts, the highest number recorded post-WWII. Of these, 9 are interstate while the remaining 57 are intra-state. However, the US-Iran confrontation remains the most significant given its widespread economic impact. The Houthis capturing the southern coast of Yemen along the Red Sea has introduced a new dimension to this geopolitical imbroglio. To top it all off, President Trump's refusal of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's requests to conduct direct airstrikes - coupled with Houthi assurances that they would not target US and Israeli vessels - has caught the global community by surprise, most notably Washington's long-standing ally, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Connecting these developments to Somaliland and its recognition by Israel in December 2025 and UAE's reported intent to establish a military base there make it a complex maze of geostrategy. Is it a complementary effort by Iran to counter alternative oil supply route of KSA? Or is it a US-Israel tit-for-tat endeavour to pressurise KSA to join Abraham Accords? Nonetheless, it implies that Bab el Mandeb and Red Sea maritime route can be controlled any time by Houthis and Somaliland, albeit with external support.

One must acknowledge that President Trump is actively implementing a distinct strategic vision for the United States.........

© The Express Tribune