Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Houthis Impose Naval Blockade on Saudi Arabia
The Houthi group in Yemen has announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia.
This blockade is happening in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which is a very important route for oil and shipping.
The Houthis say they are doing this because they feel Saudi Arabia is blocking and pressuring Yemen.
This could affect about 7% of the world's oil supply.
There are also talks between Iran and the United States to try to stop the fighting, but details are not known.
The blockade has made oil prices go up a bit, and it's more expensive to insure ships in the area.
Yemen’s Houthi group announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The blockade could disrupt nearly 7% of global oil supplies.
The move is in response to Saudi Arabia's ongoing blockade and pressure campaign against Yemen.
Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with mediators proposing a 10-day ceasefire.
Oil prices briefly rose and insurance costs for vessels in the Red Sea increased due to heightened security risks.
- Who
- Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group, Saudi Arabia, United States, Iran
- What
- Houthi naval blockade against Saudi Arabia
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Red Sea
- Why
- In response to Saudi Arabia's ongoing blockade and pressure campaign against Yemen
Houthi Perspective
Saudi Arabia and Allies
Reason for Blockade
Houthi Perspective
The Houthis claim the blockade is a response to Saudi Arabia's ongoing blockade and pressure campaign against Yemen.
Saudi Arabia and Allies
Saudi Arabia and its allies view the Houthi blockade as an illegal and destabilizing act that threatens global trade and energy supplies.
Impact on Oil Supplies
Houthi Perspective
The Houthis argue that their actions are necessary to pressure Saudi Arabia and its allies to lift their blockade on Yemen.
Saudi Arabia and Allies
Saudi Arabia and its allies emphasize that the blockade could disrupt nearly 7% of global oil supplies and add to existing reductions caused by the wider Gulf conflict.
- Date
- Not specified
- Location
- Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Red Sea
- Global Oil Supply Impact
- 7%
- Current Conflict Involved
- US-Iran
- Mediators Involved
- Pakistan