Houthi rebels impose naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, tensions escalate in the Middle East and oil prices rise. Concerns about a new war front

Houthi rebels from Yemen, who enjoy Iran’s support, announced on Sunday that they are imposing a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. This action increases the possibility of opening a new front in the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran, while simultaneously deepening concerns about global energy security and navigation in the Persian Gulf.

In their statement, the Houthis said the measure takes effect immediately and presented it as a response to what they described as an ‘unjust siege’ imposed by Saudi Arabia on Yemen over the past 12 years.

The rebel group’s military spokesman declared: ‘We are declaring a naval embargo against the Saudi enemy, based on the principle of an eye for an eye.’

Immediately after the announcement, the military coalition led by Riyadh said it is ready to respond to any threat and has begun to apply defensive measures for ships passing through the Bab el-Mandab strait. This waterway is of strategic importance for Saudi oil exports.

This escalation occurs precisely at a time when Washington and Tehran are signaling that they are open to resuming diplomatic talks, with the aim of preventing an even larger regional conflict.

The Pentagon reported that during an Iranian attack on a U.S. base in Jordan, two American soldiers were killed. Also, remains found at the site may belong to a third soldier who is missing. Another U.S. serviceman lost his life in northern Iraq while an operation to disable unexploded ordnance was underway.

For its part, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it carried out a new series of strikes against Iranian targets.

President Donald Trump reacted on his Truth Social network with a warning tone, stressing that any attack that takes the lives of American soldiers will be followed by a powerful retaliation. ‘Every time Iran kills a U.S. serviceman, it will pay many times over,’ he wrote.

Specialists draw attention that a complete blockade of the Bab el-Mandab strait would have severe impacts on global trade and the oil market. According to calculations, such a scenario could cut global oil supply by approximately 7%, directly hitting Saudi exports.

After the Houthi statement, oil prices registered a temporary increase, while insurance costs for ships sailing in the Red Sea continue to rise due to increasing risks.

Despite rising tensions, diplomatic channels remain active. An Iranian source said that Tehran has received an offer for a 10-day ceasefire and Pakistan is aiming to reactivate its mediating role in the crisis.

During this time, Iran and the U.S. continue a series of mutual military strikes, adding to fears of further spread of the conflict in the region.

Reports from Iranian sources also speak of new incidents, including explosions in several urban centers and damage caused to tanker ships near the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, air defense systems in Kuwait and Bahrain have been activated to intercept drones and missiles.