Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen announced a blockade targeting Saudi vessels in the Red Sea on Monday, escalating tensions in the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict. The move follows recent strikes and could disrupt global oil shipments.
The Houthis, who control parts of Yemen including areas near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, made the announcement amid rising disputes. Tensions had reignited last week after accusations that Saudi Arabia struck Sanaa’s main airport, an incident tied to an Iranian plane attempting to land following a Houthi delegation’s attendance at the funeral of Iran’s slain supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In response, the Houthis attacked Abha airport in southern Saudi Arabia, marking their first direct strike on Saudi soil since early 2022. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi had previously warned that Saudi oil and energy facilities would become targets if the kingdom escalated.
Analysts see the Red Sea threat as potential leverage for Iran. Ahmed Nagi of the International Crisis Group stated: “I think the message from Iran is: Don’t assume our leverage is limited to the Strait of Hormuz. We also have an ally that can threaten the Bab al-Mandab if needed.”
The Saudi-led coalition said it would respond to threats against vessels “swiftly and firmly,” according to spokesman Turki al-Malki. Saudi Arabia relies on Red Sea routes to export more than 3.6 million barrels of oil and fuels daily, mostly to Asia.
