Houthi militia announces blockade of Bab al-Mandeb Strait amid U.S.-Iran conflict

The Yemen-based Houthi militia, which aligns with Iran, announced a naval blockade of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a key chokepoint linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. In a video statement, a Houthi spokesperson said the move was a response to Saudi Arabian strikes on Sanaa’s main airport, which they claim hit an Iranian official traveling through the facility earlier this month.

Bab al-Mandeb is a vital route for Saudi oil exports, especially as the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed due to the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict. Analysts warned that a Houthi blockade could disrupt energy markets and push oil prices higher.

Saudi Arabia condemned the threatened blockade, while the Houthis described the Saudi government as a "criminal" regime. The United States classifies the Houthi rebels as a terrorist organization.

Regional partners, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, are reportedly considering new or expanded overland oil pipelines to reduce reliance on maritime routes, though such projects could take several years to complete.

Separately, U.S. Central Command reported a series of strikes on Iranian military facilities, and Iran’s state news agency said it targeted three U.S. bases in Kuwait. The conflict, now in its tenth round of attacks, has resulted in at least 17 U.S. service members killed and hundreds injured, according to Pentagon figures.

"The Pentagon confirmed the identities of two service members killed by Iranian attacks in northern Jordan and a third in Iraq," a Pentagon spokesperson said.

The report also noted ongoing ceasefire talks between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and a scheduled meeting between Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington.