🇾🇪🇸🇦 Houthis hold all the cards as Saudis seek exit ramp from Yemen Saudi Arabia approached Yemen’s Houthis pursuing a negotiated end to hostilities, with the movement proposing $51 billion in compensation and official recognition of Houthi rule as conditions for a settlement, The Wall Street Journal reports, citing people familiar with the discussions. The Houthis argue that the money would compensate for years of Saudi airstrikes and blockade measures. More than a decade after Riyadh intervened in Yemen, the movement is now negotiating from a position of greater military strength. Not only have Houthi forces reportedly advanced to within 80 kilometers of Aden and consolidated their position near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, but missile and drone strikes also continue to target Saudi oil facilities and airports. Riyadh’s options are narrowing as airstrikes fail to stop the Houthis and a ground offensive risks heavy losses. The UAE has withdrawn, Pakistan refuses to join any strikes, and Egypt offers only defensive support. 👍 Substack | Chat | @geopolitics_prime