Recent Houthi escalation against Saudi Arabia, including deadly October 2026 strikes on Riyadh airport and energy infrastructure, has driven France and the UK to deploy defensive assets—French troops and air defenses to protect Yanbu, and UK Typhoon jets plus refueling for counter-air patrols over Saudi territory—while Germany has extended participation in the EU’s defensive Aspides naval operation. Official statements from Paris, London, and Berlin stress strictly defensive postures, explicitly ruling out offensive strikes into Yemen and reiterating support for a UN-led political process. G7 condemnation of Houthi actions and Iranian support has not translated into commitments for direct military intervention, reflecting longstanding European caution on Yemen involvement and preference for maritime security and diplomacy over escalation.