Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement announced on Monday that it was imposing a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, a move that could significantly increase tensions in the Middle East and further disrupt global energy markets.
The Houthis described the measure as a “maritime embargo”, expanding the threat to international shipping beyond the Strait of Hormuz and into the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes.
Saudi Arabia had not issued an immediate response to the announcement.
Threat to Oil Supply
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and serves as a vital route for global trade and energy shipments.
According to Reuters, a complete closure of the waterway could reduce global oil supplies by around 7%, as much of Saudi Arabia’s crude oil exports would be unable to leave the region through their usual routes.
The latest development comes as the ongoing conflict in the Gulf has already reduced global oil shipments by an estimated 10%, raising fears of further disruption to international energy markets.
Regional Tensions
Reuters reported that Iran had urged the Houthis to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if the United States continued attacking Iranian power infrastructure.
The announcement adds another layer to the widening regional conflict, which has already affected commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, another key route for global oil exports.
The growing uncertainty pushed Brent crude above $90 per barrel earlier on Monday before prices eased later in the day.
US-Iran Conflict Enters Ninth Day
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Despite the military escalation, diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions appear to be continuing.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran had received a proposal from international mediators for a 10-day ceasefire, aimed at reviving a temporary agreement reached last month and creating conditions for broader peace negotiations.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry also confirmed that mediators had recently presented proposals, although no further details were disclosed.
Pakistan’s Mediation Role
According to two Pakistani government sources cited by Reuters, Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni, during his second visit to Islamabad in less than a week, requested Pakistan to resume its mediation efforts in the conflict between Iran and the United States.
Pakistan has previously offered to facilitate dialogue between the two sides as regional tensions continue to rise.
Uncertain Outlook
The Houthi announcement comes amid continued exchanges of military strikes between the United States and Iran, increasing concerns about the security of major shipping lanes and the stability of global energy supplies.
While diplomatic contacts remain active, uncertainty over the conflict continues to weigh on international markets, with governments and industry closely monitoring developments in the Gulf and the Red Sea region.
