Saudi Arabia Trapped: Houthis and Iran Seal Off Oil Routes
Part of composite article Saudi Arabia's Oil Lifeline Cut: Houthis Seize Red Sea Strait as Drone Attack Shuts 745-Mile Pipeline, Oil Hits $110 View full article →
Saudi Arabia is losing its sea routes. On Thursday, Houthi rebels allied with Tehran seized the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This narrow waterway connects the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.
Iran is also blocking the Strait of Hormuz. With both straits closed, Saudi oil tankers cannot reach the open ocean. The kingdom now risks losing all maritime access for its oil exports. Saudi Arabia is seeking support from the United States to respond to the crisis.