At least seven oil tankers have abruptly reversed course near Yemen after the Iran-backed Houthi movement declared a "maritime embargo" on Saudi Arabia, raising fresh fears over global energy supplies and shipping security.

The diversions come as the Red Sea has become a vital export route for Saudi crude following the disruption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, placing another strategic chokepoint under growing pressure.

Shipping Reroutes After Houthi Warning

Ship-tracking data shows multiple vessels travelling to and from Saudi ports made sharp U-turns shortly after the Houthis announced their embargo on Monday.

Among them were the Liberian-flagged tanker Rodos, carrying Saudi crude to India, and the tanker Mica, both of which reversed course before reaching the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Several other vessels approaching the Red Sea from the south also changed direction, including ships bound for Jeddah.

Maritime risk consultancy Vanguard said the timing of the course changes was consistent with the Houthi announcement, although the reasons for each individual decision could not be independently confirmed.

New Pressure on Global Energy Markets

The Red Sea carries nearly 15% of global maritime trade and has become increasingly important since conflict involving Iran disrupted Gulf shipping routes.

Rosemary Kelanic, of the US-based Defence Priorities think tank, warned that any escalation in Houthi attacks would affect far more than Saudi-linked shipping. She said wider disruption would suppress international traffic through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, increasing pressure on already fragile energy markets.

EU naval mission Aspides has reportedly advised merchant vessels linked to Saudi, US or Israeli interests to avoid the region until the security threat eases.

Conflict Risks Escalate Again

The Houthis have warned that vessels loading or unloading cargo at Saudi ports could be targeted anywhere within the group's operational reach. The movement says the embargo is retaliation for what it describes as a Saudi blockade of ports and airports in Houthi-controlled Yemen, an accusation Riyadh rejects.

The latest threat also jeopardises an informal truce that has largely held since 2022. Analysts warn that if the Bab al-Mandab Strait becomes effectively impassable, Saudi oil exports to Asia would face far longer and more expensive routes, driving up freight costs and potentially feeding higher fuel prices for consumers worldwide.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn0n127lpzgo

As far as many of us are concerned Iran has been incredibly restrained with their response to American actions. They have yet to use any of the proxy terror cells, and they've yet to unleash any terror on the American mainland, which they are most certainly capable of doing, on multiple levels.

Woe is America with Don and Little Pete running the show. It would be hard to find two less capable people if you did a nationwide search.