A new investigation by The Wall Street Journal has revealed details of reported exploratory contacts between Saudi Arabia and Ansar Allah.
According to people briefed on the discussions, Ansar Allah initially demanded approximately $51 billion in compensation for years of Saudi military strikes and the blockade, alongside official recognition of its authority in Yemen.
The newspaper reports that other financial figures have subsequently been discussed. Neither the original demand nor its current status has been independently confirmed by both negotiating parties.
The report comes as Riyadh faces renewed attacks on infrastructure and pressure around the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported on November 4 that Turkey’s parliament was preparing to ratify the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The agreement contains a collective-defence provision, but ratification would not automatically authorize Turkish troop deployments or combat operations. Confirmation of a completed vote was not established in this review.
Strategic assessment:
Saudi Arabia faces a difficult choice: negotiate an expensive settlement, sustain a military campaign with uncertain results, or seek stronger regional defence arrangements.
Recognition of Ansar Allah as Yemen’s government would also have implications for the internationally recognized Yemeni authorities and Yemen’s political future.
An agreement negotiated only between powerful military actors would still need to address Yemeni representation, civilian protection, reconstruction and freedom of navigation.