Saudi leadership faces growing pressure as allies retreat amid growing threats

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman faces mounting pressure as regional conflicts threaten his Vision 2030 economic diversification plan, according to The Telegraph. Iran-backed militias in Iraq struck the kingdom’s East-West pipeline, while Houthi forces advance along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, threatening the Bab el-Mandeb strait, and the Iran war disrupts the Strait of Hormuz.

MBS reportedly sought US military intervention twice, but President Trump declined direct strikes, offering only intelligence support. Britain has sent military advisers without committing further assistance.

Analysts say the crisis coincides with financial strain, including scaled-back plans for The Line megacity and LIV Golf’s bankruptcy filing after the Public Investment Fund withdrew support, though experts remain divided on whether MBS’s grip on power is genuinely threatened.