Former ambassador on Saudi-Yemeni push to retake control of Red Sea shipping lanes

NPR | By A Martínez

Published October 6, 2026 at 4:50 AM EDT

NPR's A Martinez speaks with Michael Ratney, former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, about the new military offensive launched by Saudi Arabia and Yemeni forces against the Iran-backed Houthis.

A Martínez

A Martínez is one of the hosts of Morning Edition and Up First.

See stories by A Martínez

WRVO runs on listener support.

WRVO is now well into its second year without federal funding. Through it all, our mission has stayed the same: serving central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. Listeners like you are what keep journalists on the ground, asking the hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today. You'll be supporting more than yourself. You'll be supporting everyone who depends on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.

Support WRVO now