The Houthi rebels, a militant group based in Yemen and backed by Iran, have declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, threatening to target ships carrying Saudi exports through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait — a critical shipping lane connecting the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.

The Houthi military spokesperson stated the blockade was a response to Saudi Arabia's "oppressive siege" on Yemen over the past 12 years and vowed to respond with force to any attempts by Saudi Arabia to break the restrictions. Notably, the spokesperson did not mention the ongoing US–Iran war, instead labeling Saudi Arabia as their "criminal Saudi enemy."

Experts warn the blockade could significantly escalate regional tensions. Ian Ralby, a maritime law expert and president of the charity Auxilium Worldwide, told ABC Australia News, "While the Iranians are many things, they are not crazy and they are not the merchants of disruption that the Houthis are."

The Houthis control about one-third of Yemen's landmass but govern an estimated 70 to 80 percent of its population, according to the Arab Center in Washington DC.

Dr Macau highlighted the potential economic impact, stating that around 8 percent of the oil supplying Asia could be affected by a blockade of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The strait's full closure could reduce global oil supply by 7 percent, as reported by Reuters, leaving most Saudi oil exports stranded in the region.

The disruption in the Red Sea, stemming from attacks in 2023 and 2024, has persisted, further complicating the situation. The move follows reports that Iran urged its Yemen-based ally to prepare to choke shipping through this vital route.

This development signals a possible widening of the Middle East conflict, with the Houthi rebels advancing their own interests while maintaining close ties to Iran.

Sources