7. SAUDI ARABIA - Iranian Proxy Pressure Strategy - JANATYN SAYEH& BILL ROGGIO 100526

1934-35 CALIFORNIA ARABIAN STANDARD OIL COMPANY EXPEDITIONIranian Proxy Pressure StrategyJanatyn Sayeh and Bill Roggio analyze Iran's strategic deployment of Houthi proxy strikes against Saudi Aramcofacilities. Tehran utilizes regional proxy forces to extort financial concessions and indirectly pressure Washington, using maritime chokepoints like the Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz as diplomatic bargaining chips. However, returning global oil flows and mounting economic isolation have eroded Iran's leverage, forcing the regime to confront domestic vulnerabilities and potential renewed American military targeting following mid-term political cycles. (7)