On July 20, Yahya Saria, a military representative of the Ansar Allah movement, announced that Yemen’s Houthi forces would impose a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia as a retaliatory measure. The statement, published by the Iranian Tasnim news agency on Telegram, declared: “The Yemeni armed forces declare a ban on maritime navigation for the criminal Saudi enemy in accordance with the principle of ‘blockade in response to the blockade.’ The decision comes into force from the moment of publication of this statement.”
Saria stated that the Houthis are prepared for “any scenario” and warned that a large-scale escalation by Saudi Arabia would trigger a “comprehensive and harsh response.”
The group attributed its decision to Saudi Arabia’s long-term blockade of Yemen, restrictions on ports and airports, and an attack on Sanaa’s international airport. The movement labeled Saudi actions illegal and asserted the right to respond with similar measures.
Additionally, the Houthis urged Yemenis to remain prepared for various scenarios and continue mobilizing.
The successful implementation of a naval blockade in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait—located between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula—would effectively cut off Saudi Arabia’s ability to export oil through the Red Sea. Approximately 4.2 million barrels of crude oil and liquid petroleum products pass through this strait daily, accounting for roughly 5% of global production.
The Ansar Allah movement is a Yemeni military and political group formed among Zaidi Muslims. It controls Sanaa and significant portions of northern Yemen and is considered an ally of Iran, which provides it with political and military support. The conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia escalated after they captured Sanaa in 2014, leading to a Riyadh-led coalition military operation in 2015 to support the internationally recognized Yemeni government.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned on July 17 that the potential closure of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait could pose serious risks to global oil markets and international trade. He also noted ongoing regional tensions, including Israel’s continued actions in southern Lebanon and Syria.
Tehran has instructed the Houthi forces to prepare for a Red Sea blockade should U.S. military action target Iranian energy infrastructure. The Houthis have already deployed drones and missiles near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and are awaiting Iranian orders to strike commercial vessels.
