JD Vance calls Saudi-Houthi conflict "a very fluid and dynamic thing"

After Saudi Arabia accused Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement of launching drones toward Mecca—an allegation the Houthis reject and Saudi forces say they stopped before the city’s airspace—Vice President JD Vance said Monday that Washington has maintained ongoing communication with Saudi officials and held talks with the Houthis about the escalating conflict. Vance said the matter needed continued monitoring. Regional governments have condemned the alleged strike, but Turkey and Pakistan say Saudi Arabia has not sought their support under a new joint defense agreement, and senior U.S. officials have indicated little desire to join the fighting. The escalation involves a U.S. ally and the world’s largest oil exporter, and comes as a Saudi pipeline is reportedly closed and crude prices remain above $100 a barrel.