(July 14, 2026)

The country‘s size relative to other much smaller Gulf states meant it fared better during the war, continuing to export oil via a pipeline from the east to its west coast on the Red Sea, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.

A wider conflict with the Houthis, who have in the past targeted Red Sea shipping, could challenge that.

The Saudi government‘s communication office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.