Yemen's Ansar Allah movement (Houthis) has announced the imposition of a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. This was stated by the movement's military representative Yahya Saria, reports Al-Masirah TV channel. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
According to Saria, the Yemeni armed forces are imposing a ban on maritime navigation against Saudi Arabia on the principle of "blockade in response to blockade." The decision came into effect from the moment the statement was published.
The Houthis said they consider their actions a response to the long-term blockade of Yemen, which they claim has been ongoing for nearly 12 years. They accused Saudi Arabia of blocking ports and airports, as well as striking the country's territory.
The statement also says that the movement is ready for "any scenario of events" and threatened a harsh response in case of further escalation from Riyadh. In addition, the Houthis called on the residents of Yemen to general mobilization and readiness to support armed formations.
According to Reuters, this step opens a new front of confrontation amid the conflict between the US and Iran and increases risks for global oil supplies and international trade.
Riyadh has not yet officially commented on the statement.
According to Reuters estimates, 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 exacerbate the consequences of the conflict in the Persian Gulf, which has already led to a reduction in global oil supplies by about 10%.
The Houthi statement came amid reports of new diplomatic attempts to reduce tensions between Iran and the US. According to Reuters, Tehran received through intermediaries a proposal for a 10-day ceasefire, which should help preserve the interim agreement reached last month and create conditions for further negotiations.
Earlier on Monday, oil prices briefly exceeded $90 per barrel after new disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Later, quotes partially declined after statements by the Iranian Foreign Ministry about ongoing mediation contacts.
Against this background, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported strikes on US military facilities in the region in response to another series of US attacks on Iranian cities. At the same time, Iranian authorities continue diplomatic contacts, hoping to achieve de-escalation of the conflict.