Global News Podcast Saudi Arabia bombs Yemeni port over alleged UAE weapons
Dec 30, 2025
Iona Craig, an experienced investigative journalist known for her insights on Yemen, discusses the escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE following a significant airstrike on Mukalla. She elaborates on the strategic rivalry as Saudi Arabia targets alleged UAE-linked arms shipments. Craig also highlights the dire humanitarian impact on civilians, including worsening food shortages due to port closures. Plus, the conversation touches on protests in Iran due to economic unrest and recent military activities around Taiwan.
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Saudi-UAE Rift Over Yemen Strategy
- Saudi Arabia's strike on Mukalla signals a deepening rift with the UAE over competing regional aims in Yemen.
- Iona Craig explains Riyadh views UAE support for southern separatists as a strategic threat beyond local dynamics.
On-the-Ground Convoys Tracked By Saudis
- Iona Craig recounts videos of convoys showing UAE military hardware moving through eastern Yemen.
- She links UAE moves to long-term objectives like ports, islands and airbases in southern Yemen.
Regional Rivalry Extends Beyond Yemen
- The UAE and Saudi Arabia pursue diverging goals: UAE backing southern separatists, Saudi seeking Houthi negotiations to protect its borders.
- Iona Craig connects the Yemen tensions to wider regional contests, including Sudan.