Yemen’s Houthi group has declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, stating the measure is effective immediately. The announcement comes as the two sides exchange airstrikes, raising fears that Yemen could be dragged back into full-scale war.
The blockade is 'based on the equation of an eye for an eye', effective immediately.
The Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of maintaining a years-long blockade on Yemen’s ports and airports, describing it as an aggressive siege. They stated the new embargo is a direct response to these actions and recent attacks on Sana’a airport.
Saudi Arabia condemned the threat of a maritime blockade. However, there was no immediate comment from the kingdom regarding the specific details of the Houthi announcement. Riyadh has previously ignored provocations in an effort to preserve regional stability.
Shipping disruptions in the Red Sea
The Houthis warned all ships against calling at Saudi Arabia’s ports. Vessel-tracking data showed that several oil tankers altered course or turned back in the Red Sea following the threats. Two tankers carrying Saudi crude bound for China and India reversed course near the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Reports on the number of vessels turning back vary. The Houthis claim six ships have been deterred, while other sources report at least four. Some vessels, including the Xin Long Yang and Cosnew Lake, were later seen heading toward the strait again, potentially testing the enforcement of the blockade.
The Houthis claimed to have targeted the Saudi tankers Encelia and Layla with missiles and drones. The Encelia issued a distress call after being struck by a projectile, causing a fire on its bow, though the crew was reported safe. The claimed strike on the Layla has not been independently confirmed.
Regional escalation and US involvement
The escalation occurs amid broader regional conflict involving Iran and the United States. US Central Command has conducted airstrikes targeting Iranian military command centers and missile sites to degrade Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping. These strikes have continued for multiple consecutive nights.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stated they attacked and stopped two non-compliant oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also launched attacks against Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, and warned that no political border would be safe if US strikes persist.
No political border will be safe.
US President Donald Trump stated that the US would take care of things in the Red Sea if the Houthis impose a blockade. He also warned that Iran would pay many times over for killing US soldiers, noting that the US has seized Iranian assets to cover potential damages to ships or cargo.
Current and former US officials warned that a Houthi naval blockade could significantly escalate the conflict and place considerable strain on the US military. More than 20 US Navy warships and hundreds of military aircraft are currently operating in the Middle East.
Market reaction and humanitarian concerns
Oil prices reacted to the news, remaining close to one-month highs before softening slightly. Brent crude futures eased to $88.87 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude held steady at $82.47. Asian refiners face the risk of delays in crude deliveries as tankers abandon the Bab al-Mandab route.
Saudi Arabia has mitigated some disruption to its oil exports by using the East-West Pipeline to ship crude from the Eastern Province to the Red Sea terminal at Yanbu. However, the Houthi threat now jeopardizes this route as well.
Yemenis fear the maritime embargo could reignite war, deepen shortages, and worsen hunger. Nearly 20 million people in Yemen require humanitarian aid. The UN-recognized government indicated its patience has run out, signaling readiness to end what it calls the Houthi coup.
International reactions included condemnation from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who described the naval blockade as unacceptable. The EU naval operation ASPIDES raised its threat level in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, citing a high risk of escalation.