Yemeni Houthis Plan Maritime Blockade of Saudi Arabia

Summary

Yemen's Houthi militia announced plans to impose a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia, potentially affecting oil exports via the Red Sea. The threat follows a truce breakdown and Iran's request to deploy assets. Commercial shipping is largely halted and vessels are being targeted. Markets showed little immediate reaction, with Brent crude steady near $88.

• Houthis plan immediate maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia
• Saudi Arabia relies on East-West pipeline to move 4.5 million barrels/day via Red Sea
• Iran asked Houthis to prepare to shut down the shipping route
• Commercial Red Sea traffic at a standstill; ships with transponders off being targeted
• IRGC claims to have halted four ships that turned off radars
• Brent crude holding at $88/barrel despite geopolitical headlines