Yemen’s Iranian-aligned Houthi militia has issued a direct warning to international shipping companies, stating that tankers risk being attacked if they continue to use Saudi Arabian ports. This announcement, which follows the group's recent declaration of a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, threatens to further destabilize an already volatile region. The warning is particularly significant as it compounds the existing risks posed by Iran’s influence over the strait of Hormuz, potentially impacting substantial Saudi oil exports that have remained largely unaffected by the ongoing conflict until now.
The seriousness of the situation is already reflected in maritime operations. On Tuesday, two oil tankers that had loaded Saudi crude for India and China diverted their paths, performing U-turns away from the Houthi-controlled coast near the southern mouth of the Red Sea to head toward the Suez canal. The Houthis have claimed that a total of six vessels have already altered their courses in response to the threat.
In an email sent to multiple shipping companies on Monday, the Houthis explicitly advised against loading or discharging cargo at Saudi ports, warning that such activities could result in vessels being targeted “in any location” within their reach. The group urged companies to exercise “due diligence and the utmost care” in their operations. While the Houthis have not formally declared the entire waterway closed, their stance casts doubt on the safety of a channel that facilitates approximately 7% of global maritime traffic.
Middle East expert Allison Minor of the Atlantic Council noted that while the group has not specified which ships are in their crosshairs, the blockade announcement implies that any vessel visiting Saudi ports to transport Saudi oil is now at risk. Between 2023 and 2025, the Houthis utilized small boats, missiles, and drones to target over 100 commercial ships, effectively complicating navigation through the 20-mile-wide strait.
The US government has responded to the escalation, with President Donald Trump stating during a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun that the US would “just have to take care of business” if the Houthis proceeded with these threats. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that while Washington remains open to negotiations with Iran, any such dialogue must be genuine. The US State Department has also issued a warning to Americans regarding the potential for Iranian-backed groups to target US interests globally.
The conflict has seen intense military exchanges. US Central Command reported strikes on Iranian military command centers, air defense systems, and maritime capabilities. In retaliation, Iran reportedly targeted US allies, with Jordan’s military confirming it intercepted five drones and three missiles. Additionally, the Kuwaiti government reported that Iranian strikes hit desalination and power plants for the fourth consecutive night, resulting in fires and damage. With 25% of global oil and gas shipments moving through the strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb combined, any sustained interference remains a major concern for the global economy.
