In January 2015, after months of gradual advancement, the rebel alliance successfully took control of the capital Sanaa, coinciding with King Salman’s ascent to the throne in Riyadh. The Houthis established direct civilian air traffic between Sanaa and Tehran, while Iran pledged economical oil for Yemen, fueling speculations of increased Iran-Houthi collaboration. Hodeidah, the main port, fell to Houthi forces, and they began advancing towards Aden, the southern capital and the largest port on the Indian Ocean.

For King Salman and his 29-year-old defense minister and son, Prince Muhammad bin Salman (MBS), it became a nightmarish scenario. A traditional adversary with ties to their regional opponent was seizing control of the country in their southern domain. The strategic Bab al Mandab straits could fall under Houthi control, presenting a formidable challenge for the inexperienced team in the royal palace.

The Obama administration faced a complex situation. American intelligence officials claimed that Iran was initially discouraging the Houthis from seizing Sanaa and overthrowing Hadi openly. However, the Houthi leadership, intoxicated with success, proceeded with their radical course. Undersecretary of Defense Michael Vickers stated in January that Washington had a productive informal intelligence relationship with the Houthis against al-Qaida, suggesting the potential for continued cooperation.

To counter the Houthi-Saleh rebellion and support Hadi, the Saudis initiated Operation Decisive Storm in March 2015, with MBS publicly promising an early victory. They formed a coalition with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and other traditional allies, but Oman and Pakistan refused to join. Despite unanimous opposition in Pakistan’s parliament, the Obama administration backed the Saudi war, siding with a long-standing 70-year alliance. U.S. and U.K. support proved crucial for the Royal Saudi Air Force, equipped with American and British aircraft, which extensively used their munitions in the conflict.