In response, Saudi Arabia launched a forceful diplomatic and military pushback, striking what it described as Emirati weapons supply routes. In parallel to the developments in Yemen, Saudi Arabia increased its pushback against Emirati actions in Sudan. This has increasingly frustrated Saudi Arabia, which backs the SAF and has positioned itself, alongside the United States, as a supporter of mediation efforts. As such, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have offered cooperation and alternative financial and military support to offset reduced UAE assistance. Ethiopia’s assertive rhetoric and actions to secure Red Sea access—whether through Berbera in Somaliland or Assab in Eritrea—has heated up since 2020, triggering acute diplomatic tensions.