Rubio says Saudi Arabia has “right to defend itself” from Houthi attacks

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday that Saudi Arabia has the right to defend itself against continued attacks by Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen, while reaffirming Washington’s commitment to its security agreement with the kingdom.

Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland before departing on a European trip that includes stops in Iceland, Greece and Portugal, Rubio addressed the escalating conflict around the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait.

“Obviously the Saudis have come under Houthi attack … and they have a right to defend themselves,” Rubio said.

He stressed that neither Saudi Arabia nor Yemen’s internationally recognized government supports Houthi control of the territory in question.

Rubio linked the remarks to a binding bilateral defense and security agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

“The United States has a defense and security agreement with Saudi Arabia, and we intend to live by it,” he told reporters.

The pact, signed in November 2025 during a visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Washington, designates the kingdom a major non-NATO ally and deepens military cooperation.

The comments come as fighting intensifies between Yemeni government forces and the Houthis, who have held the capital Sanaa since 2014.

Rubio described current operations as a response to earlier Houthi advances.

“What is happening now in Yemen is a counterattack against Houthi aggression,” he said, noting that Yemeni forces are seeking to regain lost territory near the critical shipping corridor linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

His statements followed an announcement by Rashad Al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, of a military operation aimed at retaking Sanaa and restoring state institutions.

Yemeni army units reported securing the Dhubab district and other positions near the Bab al-Mandab Strait on Monday.

The United States has not committed to direct combat involvement, focusing instead on intelligence and advisory support.

Earlier this year, Rubio repeatedly highlighted Iran’s role, describing the Houthis as “agents and proxies of the Iranians” and stating that “behind some of this is clearly the Iranian hand” after attacks that wounded dozens of civilians and damaged energy facilities in southern Saudi Arabia.

He has consistently underscored the “very strong” US-Saudi defensive relationship while monitoring the situation closely.