US Considers Response to Houthi Attacks on Saudi Airports

Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched a series of attacks on Saudi Arabian airports, including King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and an airport in Dammam, killing at least 14 people and injuring over 300. The attacks have intensified fears of a broader Middle East war amid heightened regional tensions.

Among the casualties was an American national. Saudi Arabia's civil aviation authority reported that a Sunday attack on an airport in Riyadh killed a Pakistani resident and injured 11 others. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for earlier strikes on the Riyadh airport, while U.S. officials attribute Saturday's deadly assault to the Iran-backed group.

President Donald Trump indicated that the U.S. is considering its response, stating, "We may. We're gonna look at it. We move very quickly." This comes as Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the attacks and called for an end to the violence.

Foreign policy experts suggest the recent strikes are part of a larger strategy by Iran and its proxies. "Cross-domain escalation by Iran and its proxies will continue to be a primary strategy," Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the Iran Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Fox News Digital. He noted that the focus on aviation targets aligns with previous threats from Iranian officials following U.S. actions against Iran's aviation sector.

An official from Iran's Supreme National Security Council had previously warned that Iran would target neighboring countries' airports if they cooperated with U.S. efforts to restrict Iranian flights. Taleblu stated that these "rapid targeting" actions reflect these prior threats. While Iran has historically supported the Houthis, the precise extent of Tehran's involvement in these latest attacks has not been independently confirmed.

The escalation also brings renewed attention to allegations of Russian support for the Houthis, including intelligence sharing and technical assistance. A House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing previously addressed these reports, with experts noting persistent allegations of Russian satellite collaboration and intelligence targeting assistance.

Experts also point to the Houthis' recent territorial gains in Yemen since April, suggesting the airport attacks are part of a broader military escalation. "Airport attacks allow Iran and its regional proxies to inflict pain on Arab states, Israel, and remaining U.S. forces," Taleblu added. The Houthis have also issued renewed warnings, advising airlines, airport workers, and travelers to avoid Saudi airports.