French political researcher François Frison-Roche told the UAE-based website AIJES that the government in Riyadh is conducting secret negotiations with the government in Sana’a. Among his remarks were the following:

▪️ Saudi Arabia is pursuing a strategic influence game in Yemen.

▪️ Riyadh has opened a direct and confidential negotiating channel with Sana’a.

▪️ Saudi Arabia has sidelined key Yemeni factions in its secret negotiations.

▪️ One objective of the secret talks is to secure an oil pipeline to the Arabian Sea.

▪️ Another objective is to reduce the United Arab Emirates’ regional influence.

▪️ The negotiations also aim to secure the Bab al-Mandab Strait, with Saudi Arabia receiving support in this effort from Israel and other countries with interests in the waterway.

▪️ Saudi Arabia possesses advanced American military equipment but failed in its military campaign in Yemen.

▪️ Riyadh may ultimately pay financial compensation to Sana’a.

François Frison-Roche is described as a researcher and constitutional expert, and previously participated in what was known as Yemen’s National Dialogue.