Saudi Arabia Faces Houthi Maritime Blockade Threat in Red Sea

Iran‑backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have announced a maritime embargo targeting Saudi‑linked vessels in the Red Sea, threatening to block passages through the Bab al‑Mandeb Strait. The group claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, Encelia and Layla, alleging they violated a Houthi‑declared naval exclusion zone. International actors condemned the moves: the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the threats, the European Union’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas labeled them a “dangerous escalation,” Turkey’s foreign ministry reiterated support for Saudi Arabia, and Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the attacks “unacceptable.” United Nations envoy Hans Grundberg warned that renewed Houthi strikes could widen Yemen’s humanitarian crisis and destabilise regional security. Analysts note that the Red Sea route now carries about 4 % of global oil supplies, and a full blockade could disrupt global energy markets and raise oil prices. Despite the threats, shipping continues at reduced levels, with Kpler data showing only a handful of tankers passing the strait in recent days. The situation remains under close monitoring by the International Maritime Organization and regional partners, who stress the need for diplomatic solutions to preserve freedom of navigation.