Houthis say they attacked Saudi tankers in the Red Sea, threatening new chokepoint in Iran war
Iranian-aligned Houthi militants have claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, aiming to establish a naval blockade. This escalation threatens to create a second global oil chokepoint alongside the Strait of Hormuz, further complicating the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Iran.
Why it matters
The disruption of oil shipping routes in the Red Sea poses a significant risk to global energy prices and economic stability during a period of heightened geopolitical tension.
If Saudi oil shipments cannot pass through the Red Sea's southern strait, they have only the northern route through the Suez Canal, adding weeks and costs to the journey.
Houthi security personnel stand guard during a demonstration in Sanaa, Yemen, to show solidarity with Lebanon, after a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel went into effect, on Apr 17, 2026. (File photo: Reuters/Khaled Abdullah)
CAIRO: The Iranian-aligned Houthis said on Thursday (Jul 23) they struck two Saudi oil tankers as part of a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, threatening to create a second chokepoint on global oil supplies alongside Iran's near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, the United States military said on Wednesday it launched a new round of strikes on Iran at President Donald Trump's direction, marking a 12th successive night of American attacks.
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