Photo: EPA
Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement has announced a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia, raising fresh concerns over global oil supplies, while oil prices briefly climbed before easing on hopes of renewed diplomacy between Washington and Tehran, Reuters reported.
The Houthis declared the blockade despite diplomatic efforts by Iran and the United States to ease tensions. According to Reuters, Tehran has urged the group to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if U.S. forces continue targeting Iran's energy infrastructure.
A complete closure of the strategic waterway could cut global oil supplies by about 7%, as most Saudi crude exports would be unable to leave the region.
In a statement, the Houthis announced a "maritime embargo against the criminal Saudi enemy" based on the principle of "an eye for an eye," describing the move as a response to what they called an "unjust and oppressive blockade" imposed on Yemen.
The announcement comes as U.S. forces carried out a ninth consecutive night of strikes on Iran. The Trump administration has also informed Israel that it is deploying additional aerial refueling aircraft to the region amid the possibility of a broader military campaign against Tehran.
