Saudi Arabia condemns Houthi naval blockade threatening oil exports

Saudi Arabia has formally condemned the naval blockade imposed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, warning that the action threatens the uninterrupted flow of Saudi crude to international importers. In a statement released by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials described the blockade as an illegal attempt to disrupt global energy supplies and called on regional partners to take “all necessary measures” to ensure the safety of merchant vessels operating in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The Houthi group, which has escalated attacks on shipping lanes since early 2024, claims the blockade is a response to Saudi involvement in the Yemeni conflict. Analysts note that the Red Sea corridor is a critical artery for more than 20 million barrels of Saudi oil shipped daily, and any sustained disruption could tighten global oil markets and raise prices. While Saudi authorities have pledged to protect their maritime routes, they have also appealed to the United Nations and allied navies to intervene, emphasizing the broader implications for energy security and international trade.