Gulf Int'l Forum

Gulf International Forum is an independent, nonprofit, Washington-based institute focusing on the Gulf region.

[Gulf Int'l Forum @GulfIntlForum]

🚨NEW OASIS EPISODE🚨

What does the latest #Houthi escalation mean for #SaudiArabia and regional security?

Timothy Lenderking, former Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs and the first U.S. Presidential Envoy for Yemen, joined @DBDesRoches to discuss the Houthis’ growing threat to regional and maritime security, Saudi Arabia’s role in the conflict, the group's ties to #Iran, and the #US approach to the situation in #Yemen.

Catch this timely discussion here: https://t.co/SWBuRI8C7g

[Gulf Int'l Forum @GulfIntlForum]

"Cooperation with #China can broaden Riyadh’s supplier base and support domestic capabilities, but it can simultaneously complicate access to the most sensitive #US technologies," writes @frencio_schiavi. "For Washington, the #Saudi F-35 question likely revolves around how much risk can be mitigated through restrictions on personnel, facilities, networks, and Chinese technology."

https://t.co/eWuOJJ4wje

[Gulf Int'l Forum @GulfIntlForum]

"#Saudi F-15s and Typhoons can perform air superiority and long-range strike missions, but against a functioning modern air-defense network, they face risks that a stealth aircraft is specifically designed to reduce," writes @frencio_schiavi. "The F-35 would therefore sit at the apex of the Saudi fleet rather than become its numerical backbone."

https://t.co/eWuOJJ4wje

[Francesco Salesio Schiavi @frencio_schiavi]

🇸🇦🇺🇸With the US congressional review period nearing its end, Saudi Arabia has never been closer to acquiring fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets.

My latest analysis for the @GulfIntlForum explores what the deal could mean for the kingdom, the region and beyond.

Have a read!👇

https://t.co/YYwEIsFrJz

[Gulf Int'l Forum @GulfIntlForum]

With great sadness, Gulf International Forum mourns the loss of our colleague and dear friend, Dr. Aziz Alghashian.

[Gulf Int'l Forum @GulfIntlForum]

ببالغ الحزن والأسى، ينعى منتدى الخليج الدولي زميلنا وصديقنا العزيز الدكتور عزيز الغشيان.

رحمك الله د. عزيز، ستبقى ذكراك حاضرة في وجداننا.

إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون.

[Anas Alqaed أنس القائد @AnasAlqaed]

سعدت بالمشاركة في برنامج «من واشنطن» على شاشة الجزيرة @AJArabic، لمناقشة اعتداءات الحوثيين على السعودية وتهديد الملاحة البحرية، في سياق التحولات الإقليمية وتراجع نفوذ إيران. ومع انحسار دور طهران إقليمياً، ناقشت دفاعها عن الحوثيين، بوصفهم إحدى أهم أوراق نفوذها المتبقية في المنطقة.

[Anas Alqaed أنس القائد @AnasAlqaed]

سعدت بالمشاركة في برنامج "من واشنطن" على شاشة الجزيرة @AJArabic، لمناقشة تهديدات ميليشيات الحوثي وايران للسعودية وأمن الملاحة في البحر الأحمر ومضيق باب المندب، وما يترتب على ذلك من تداعيات على أسعار الطاقة، وذلك قبل ثلاثة أسابيع من انتخابات التجديد النصفي للكونغرس.

[Gulf Int'l Forum @GulfIntlForum]

"#US approval of a potential F-35 sale moves Riyadh’s longstanding ambitions closer to reality, while deepening its relations with Washington and complicating its defense ties with Beijing."

Read the new article about #SaudiArabia from @frencio_schiavi here: https://t.co/eWuOJJ4wje

[Gulf Int'l Forum @GulfIntlForum]

“The Houthis could not be where they are today without Iran.”

On the latest episode of Oasis, former U.S. Presidential Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking joins @DBDesRoches to discuss #Iran’s role in the group’s rise, as well as the #Houthis’ internal weaknesses and lack of popular support in #Yemen.

Full episode: https://t.co/Os6zINd1jN

[Gulf Int'l Forum @GulfIntlForum]

What is the strategic importance of Taiz?

On the latest episode of Oasis, former U.S. Presidential Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking joined @DBDesRoches to explain the city’s significance and what Houthi advances could mean for #Yemen’s future.

Full episode: https://t.co/KcYIngJXrF

[Gulf Int'l Forum @GulfIntlForum]

Our Senior Non-Resident Fellow, @reziemba, joined @Bloomberg's Horizons Mideast and Africa yesterday to discuss the Houthi attack on the Saudi Aramco HQ and the implications for global energy markets.

[Gulf Int'l Forum @GulfIntlForum]

Our Senior Fellow, @DBDesRoches, was quoted by @NeilMacFarquhar in @nytimes on Saudi Arabia’s use of Patriot missile defense systems against Houthi attacks.

https://t.co/UDrLJDpSzu

[Gulf Int'l Forum @GulfIntlForum]

"The #Houthis are now the most lethal non-state actor in the Middle East."

On the latest episode of Oasis, former U.S. Presidential Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking explained how the Houthis have expanded their military capabilities over the years with #Iranian support.

Watch the full episode here: https://t.co/A9NzLmrosK

[Gulf Int'l Forum @GulfIntlForum]

Our Senior Fellow, @DBDesRoches, was quoted by @ChloeNCornish in @FT on Saudi defense amid Houthi attacks and the broader war with Iran.

https://t.co/w2CxETRCS0

[Dr. Dania Thafer @Dr_DaniaThafer]

I appeared on @BBCWorld last night and discussed the escalating Saudi-Houthi conflict, Iran’s "mediation" offer, and the risk of a wider regional confrontation.

Beyond the immediate security challenges, I emphasized at the end of the interview that diplomacy remains the most viable path to lasting de-escalation. However, in the near term, Saudi Arabia’s priority will be to restore deterrence and prevent further attacks.

[Gulf Int'l Forum @GulfIntlForum]

"#Syria’s geography makes it uniquely valuable to the other members of the Mecca Pact," writes @AnasAlqaed. "A more stable Syrian state could facilitate land-based trade and infrastructure routes connecting the #Gulf to Turkey and Europe, providing additional channels for commerce that are less exposed to maritime disruption."

https://t.co/zyhInrw5FX

[Gulf Int'l Forum @GulfIntlForum]

Our Non-Resident Fellow, @ib_alhouti, has authored a new book, "The Politics of Education Reforms in the Arab Gulf States: A Framework for Successful Implementation," examining the political dynamics and implementation of K–12 education reforms in the Gulf.

For more information: https://t.co/Ufx8gk6OUk

[Gulf Int'l Forum @GulfIntlForum]

Our Senior Fellow, @DBDesRoches, joined @trtworld to discuss the latest Saudi–Houthi dynamics.

[Dr. Dania Thafer @Dr_DaniaThafer]

Yesterday I appeared on @SkyNews with @markaustintv and told him: Iran’s offer to mediate between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis reflects a calculation that goes beyond diplomacy. Tehran wants to prevent a wider Saudi-led military campaign that could weaken the Houthis, particularly along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.

The Houthis remain a valuable force multiplier in Iran’s confrontation with the United States and Israel, giving Tehran leverage over regional security and vital shipping routes. Additionally, by offering mediation, Iran seeks to contain escalation, preserve Houthi military capabilities, and protect its regional influence without becoming directly involved in another confrontation.