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The Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen has declared a naval blockade of Saudi ships, an escalation that could reawaken another dormant regional conflict and threaten global oil supplies.
Video from Reuters shows Houthi supporters in Yemen gathering in the capital Sanaa on Monday evening, praising the decision on the naval blockade.
The Houthis, one of Iran's main allies in the region, have long warned that they could take action to block the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a key point at the southern end of the Red Sea.
The closure of this strategic waterway could significantly disrupt global trade and further impact international oil markets.
Bab al-Mandeb, which translates as "Gate of Tears," is located at the southern tip of the Red Sea and is the gateway to the Suez Canal, connecting Europe with Asia through one of the world's most important maritime corridors. At its narrowest point, the strait is only 29 kilometers wide and has been the target of attacks by Houthi rebels in the past.
According to data, about 15% of global maritime trade passes through Bab al-Mandeb. Previous disruptions to maritime transport during 2023–2025 are estimated to have caused losses of about $20 billion per year.
The strait also remains a vital route for the oil exports of Saudi Arabia, the world's largest crude oil exporter, and had until now remained largely navigable even during years of conflict in the region.
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