Houthi threats to block Saudi shipping in the Red Sea, backed by Iran, are escalating regional tensions and testing Saudi Arabia's strategic patience. Riyadh, having transformed its military capabilities, faces a critical decision as continued economic disruption could lead to a decisive, comprehensive response far beyond previous conflicts.
Vessel crossings in the Strait of Hormuz significantly decreased after US-Iran attacks. Yemen's Houthis declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, threatening global energy supplies, and a tanker reported being struck by a projectile in the strait.
Yemen's Houthi movement has threatened to besiege the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, potentially severing Saudi Arabia's only remaining oil export route. Iran launched drone attacks against US Navy vessels in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, marking a dramatic deterioration in the war launched by the US and Israel on February 28. Saudi Arabia has been shipping up to 7 million barrels per day through Yanbu port since its main Gulf export terminal at Ras Tanura was shut down by the Iran conflict.
