Daijiworld Media Network - Sana’a
Sana’a, Jul 22: Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have warned international shipping companies that vessels using Saudi Arabian ports could be targeted, escalating tensions in the Red Sea and raising concerns over global oil supplies.
The warning follows the Houthis' announcement of a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia and comes amid Iran's simultaneous threats to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, increasing fears of disruption to key global energy routes.
The Houthis, who control northern Yemen including territory along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, sent emails to multiple shipping companies instructing them not to load or unload cargo at Saudi ports. The group warned that any vessel engaging in such activity could be attacked "in any location" within its operational range.
The threat has already affected shipping movements. Two oil tankers carrying Saudi crude for China and India reportedly altered their routes on Tuesday, avoiding the Houthi-controlled coastline near the southern entrance to the Red Sea and heading instead towards the Suez Canal. The Houthis claimed that six ships had changed course.
US President Donald Trump warned that Washington would respond if the Houthis acted on their threats.
"If they follow through, we'll just have to take care of business. We've dealt with the Houthis before, and we haven't heard much from them since then," Trump said during a White House meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.
The developments come as diplomatic efforts continue to revive stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran, even as both sides continue military operations for a tenth consecutive day. Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni visited Pakistan, which has been playing a mediating role in the conflict.
According to reports, officials on both sides are exploring possible ways to reduce tensions. A report by Axios said the Trump administration is considering either escalating military action or pursuing a 10-day ceasefire to create space for renewed negotiations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remained open to talks with Iran but stressed that any negotiations must be genuine.
Although the Houthis have not formally declared the closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, their warning has raised fresh concerns over the security of one of the world's busiest maritime corridors, through which around seven per cent of global shipping passes.
Middle East analyst Allison Minor of the Atlantic Council said the Houthis had not specified which ships they intended to target but noted that vessels carrying Saudi oil could become primary targets.
She added that while the Houthis had previously allowed Russian and Chinese vessels to pass during earlier Red Sea attacks, they might not extend the same treatment to Chinese ships transporting Saudi crude.
Between 2023 and 2025, the Houthis carried out more than 100 attacks on commercial vessels using drones, missiles and small boats, making the Bab el-Mandeb one of the world's most dangerous shipping lanes.
Analysts say the latest move also reflects Iran's broader strategy of using regional allies to pressure global energy markets. Tehran has previously encouraged the Houthis to threaten shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb in response to US military actions and has presented such threats as a counterbalance to restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Together, the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb handle nearly one-fourth of global oil and gas shipments, making any disruption a serious concern for international markets.
Military operations also continued across the region. The US Central Command said it had targeted Iranian military command centres, missile and drone launch sites, maritime facilities and air defence systems. Iranian state media reported explosions in the provinces of Fars, Hormozgan, Ilam, Kerman, and Sistan and Baluchestan.
Jordan's military said it intercepted five Iranian drones and three missiles aimed at its territory, while Kuwait reported attacks on desalination and power plants for a fourth consecutive night, resulting in fires and infrastructure damage.
Meanwhile, the US State Department warned that Iran and groups aligned with Tehran could target American interests and citizens overseas amid the escalating conflict.