Houthis threaten to attack shipping tankers if they use Saudi Arabian ports on Red Sea

What Happened

Yemen’s Houthi movement warned shipping companies that tankers using Saudi Arabian ports in the Red Sea risk being attacked, enforcing a blockade announced on April 7, 2025. Two oil tankers loaded with Saudi crude for China and India made U-turns away from the Houthi-controlled coast at the mouth of the Red Sea on Tuesday, and the Houthis claimed six ships changed course. The threat comes amid a 10th day of renewed fighting between the US and Iran, with US Central Command targeting Iranian military command centres, missile sites, and air defence systems, and Iran striking Jordan and Kuwait. President Trump vowed the US would ‘take care of business’ if the Houthis followed through, while diplomats explored a possible 10-day ceasefire.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The Houthi threat to Saudi oil shipments through the Bab el-Mandeb strait—a chokepoint for 7% of global maritime traffic—risks major disruption to energy markets, compounding Iran’s parallel pressure on the Strait of Hormuz. It escalates the proxy conflict between Iran and the US/Saudi coalition, demonstrating Tehran’s ability to weaponise non-state allies to widen a blockade strategy. This could trigger a more direct US military response, further destabilising regional security and global trade.

Watch For

Monitor shipping movements and insurance rates in the Red Sea for immediate impact. Watch for any formal Houthi clarification of targeting criteria or attacks on vessels. Track US military responses and diplomatic signals, especially the reported consideration of a 10-day ceasefire. Observe whether Iran escalates or seeks de-escalation through the Oman backchannel or Pakistan mediation. Also note any retaliatory strikes on Saudi infrastructure.