Yemen's Ansar Allah movement (Houthis) has announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, creating serious risks for the global oil market, reports infohub.kz.
Military spokesman Yahya Saria said the Yemeni armed forces are imposing a ban on maritime shipping to Saudi Arabia under the principle of "blockade in response to blockade." The decision takes effect immediately. The Houthis consider their actions a response to the years-long blockade of Yemen, which they say has lasted nearly 12 years. They accused Saudi Arabia of blocking ports and airports, as well as striking the country. The statement also said the movement is prepared for "any scenario" and threatened a harsh response to further escalation from Riyadh. Additionally, the Houthis called on Yemeni residents for general mobilization and readiness to support armed formations.
According to Reuters, this step opens a new front of confrontation amid the US-Iran conflict and increases risks to global oil supplies and international trade. Riyadh has not officially commented on the announcement. Reuters estimates that a complete closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait — one of the world's most important maritime routes — could reduce global oil supplies by about 7%, as a significant portion of Saudi exports pass through this route. This could amplify the effects of the Gulf conflict, which has already cut global oil supplies by about 10%.
The Houthi statement came amid reports of new diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions between Iran and the US. According to Reuters, Tehran received a proposal via intermediaries for a 10-day ceasefire, which aims to preserve a temporary agreement reached last month and create conditions for further negotiations. Earlier on Monday, oil prices briefly exceeded $90 per barrel after new shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. Later, prices partially retreated after statements from Iran's Foreign Ministry about ongoing mediation contacts. Against this backdrop, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported strikes on US military facilities in the region in response to another series of US attacks on Iranian cities. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities continue diplomatic contacts, hoping to achieve de-escalation of the conflict.