Key Takeaways
- Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia.
- The move comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran.
- The blockade could disrupt global oil markets, affecting Saudi exports.
Yemen's Houthi rebels have declared a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, escalating tensions in the region. The group’s military spokesman, Yahya Saree, stated that the embargo is 'effective immediately,' targeting what they call the 'criminal Saudi enemy.'
This development follows recent hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Iran, with both countries engaging in a proxy war through their respective allies in Yemen. The Houthis’ actions come as Iran declared it was back to a 'full-scale war' with the United States, following increased US strikes across Iranian territory.
The blockade could significantly impact Saudi Arabia’s economy by cutting off access to its Red Sea ports, which have been crucial for oil exports. With renewed fighting limiting passage through the Strait of Hormuz, this move is expected to exacerbate existing tensions and disrupt global energy markets.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, warned that the threat from the Houthis could risk an 'even wider' regional conflict. He noted that a simultaneous crisis at both the Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab straits would produce a much larger shock than either blockade alone.
The Houthis previously launched attacks on ships transiting the waterway beginning in November 2023, forcing vessels to take lengthy detours around Africa instead of traveling directly from Europe. This new embargo could further complicate maritime trade routes and increase costs for global shipping companies.
Yemen shares a border and coastline with Saudi Arabia, making its Red Sea port of Yanbu vital for bypassing Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz during its ongoing conflict with the US. The blockade is expected to hurt not only Saudi Arabia but also global markets that rely on the country's energy imports.
In response to these developments, President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran stated that his country was engaged in a 'full-scale war' with the United States and that they must accept the natural consequences of their resistance. His comments came after state media reported US strikes across various parts of Iran, including areas beyond the blockaded Strait of Hormuz.
The academic from King’s College London warned that the disruption at both straits could have severe economic implications for global energy supplies. 'Hormuz disruption constrains Gulf oil and liquefied natural gas exports, while Bab al-Mandeb disruption interrupts the principal maritime connection between Asia, the Gulf, and Europe,' he noted.
A simultaneous crisis at Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb would produce a much larger shock than either blockade alone.
Academic from King’s College London
