Could Trump wage another war in the Middle East?
Oct 16, 2026 •
After a decade of fighting and billions spent on American weapons, Saudi Arabia still hasn’t defeated the Houthis.
Instead, the Iranian-backed armed movement from Yemen, one of the Middle East’s poorest countries, is breaching Saudi defences with cheap drones and missiles, striking airports and oil infrastructure.
This week, an attack on the passenger terminal at Riyads’s international airport killed 13 people and injured at least 320.
With the US already fighting a war with Iran, Saudi Arabia is now pressing Donald Trump to intervene against the Houthis. But is Trump prepared to open another front in the Middle East in order to help a country in which his family has business interests?
Today, Journalist Akbar Shahid Ahmed on the continued rise of the Houthis, and the pressure on Trump to intervene.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Could Trump wage another war in the Middle East?
2076 • Oct 16, 2026
Could Trump wage another war in the Middle East?
After a decade of fighting and billions spent on American weapons, Saudi Arabia still hasn’t defeated the Houthis.
Instead, the Iranian-backed armed movement from Yemen, one of the Middle East’s poorest countries, is breaching Saudi defences with cheap drones and missiles, striking airports and oil infrastructure.
This week, an attack on the passenger terminal at Riyads’s international airport killed 13 people and injured at least 320.
With the US already fighting a war with Iran, Saudi Arabia is now pressing Donald Trump to intervene against the Houthis. But is Trump prepared to open another front in the Middle East in order to help a country in which his family has business interests?
Today, Journalist Akbar Shahid Ahmed on the continued rise of the Houthis, and the pressure on Trump to intervene.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Guest: Diplomatic Correspondent at The Washington Sun, Akbar Shahid Ahmed
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7am is a daily show from Solstice Media.
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