Saudi Arabia is creating an alternative oil export route through the Red Sea as security threats disrupt shipping around the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The kingdom is using tankers to transport crude from its Red Sea port of Yanbu to Ain Sokhna in Egypt. From there, the oil can travel north through Egypt's SUMED pipeline to Sidi Kerir on the Mediterranean coast, allowing Saudi crude to reach international markets without relying entirely on vulnerable maritime routes.

The alternative route has gained importance after Yemen's Houthi forces announced a blockade targeting vessels loaded at Yanbu.

Saudi Arabia Creates New Red Sea Oil Route As Houthi Threats Disrupt Shipping

Yemen's government on Wednesday warned that the Iran-backed Houthis are preparing to seize land along the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, which would allow them to threaten the vital shipping artery. According to Yemen's Information Minister, Moammar al-Eryani, the outfit is planning to build a foothold along the Red Sea coast.&nbsp;"The Houthi militia … is working to create the conditions for seizing control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait by expanding its presence along the western coast and attempting to control strategic Yemeni islands in the Red Sea," said Moammar al-Eryani.Al-Eryani highlighted the military buildup by the Houthis, noting that the group has demonstrated its capabilities through “repeated targeting of ports, docks, civilian infrastructure, ships, and government naval capabilities.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gadi-eisenkot-yashar-overtakes-netanyahu-likud-israel-poll-1787151673819">Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar overtakes Netanyahu’s Likud in latest Israel poll</a>Yemeni Military officials stationed near the waterway have confirmed the Houthi advance towards the coastal area. Yemeni military officials state that the Houthis are heavily targeting the port city of Mokha. Major-General Sadeq Duwaid, spokesman for the government-affiliated National Resistance Forces controlling the adjacent area of the Strait, has told AFP that Houthi forces are trying to secure ground.&nbsp;"Through their continued attacks on Mokha and its port, the Houthi militia seeks to establish a presence along the shores of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and transform the area into a situation resembling that of the Strait of Hormuz," Major-General Duwaid told AFP.The Houthi rebels already control major northern ports in Yemen, most notably the critical port city of Hodeidah further up the Red Sea coast, but they do not have a foothold near the coastal territories or ports located directly on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Yemen has warned that Iran-backed Houthis are seeking to expand their presence along the Red Sea coast and gain control of strategic areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Yemen's government on Wednesday warned that the Iran-backed Houthis are preparing to seize land along the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, which would allow them to threaten the vital shipping artery. According to Yemen's Information Minister, Moammar al-Eryani, the outfit is planning to build a foothold along the Red Sea coast. "The Houthi militia … is working to create the conditions for seizing control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait by expanding its presence along the western coast and attempting to control strategic Yemeni islands in the Red Sea," said Moammar al-Eryani. Al-Eryani highlighted the military buildup by the Houthis, noting that the group has demonstrated its capabilities through “repeated targeting of ports, docks, civilian infrastructure, ships, and government naval capabilities.” Also Read: Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar overtakes Netanyahu’s Likud in latest Israel poll Yemeni Military officials stationed near the waterway have confirmed the Houthi advance towards the coastal area. Yemeni military officials state that the Houthis are heavily targeting the port city of Mokha. Major-General Sadeq Duwaid, spokesman for the government-affiliated National Resistance Forces controlling the adjacent area of the Strait, has told AFP that Houthi forces are trying to secure ground. "Through their continued attacks on Mokha and its port, the Houthi militia seeks to establish a presence along the shores of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and transform the area into a situation resembling that of the Strait of Hormuz," Major-General Duwaid told AFP. The Houthi rebels already control major northern ports in Yemen, most notably the critical port city of Hodeidah further up the Red Sea coast, but they do not have a foothold near the coastal territories or ports located directly on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Yemen has warned that Iran-backed Houthis are seeking to expand their presence along the Red Sea coast and gain control of strategic areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Yemen warns Houthis seek foothold near Bab el-Mandeb Strait

The killing of two Pakistani nationals in a Houthi attack on a commercial vessel in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has raised a major question: will Pakistan now be drawn directly into the widening Middle East conflict? At least three crew members were killed after a deck cargo ship was attacked in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to Yemeni coast guard sources and military officials cited by news agency Reuters. The victims reportedly included two Pakistani nationals and one Indonesian national.&nbsp;The Tanzania-flagged Tihamah was sailing from Salalah in Oman towards Djibouti when it came under attack. The Houthis have not yet claimed responsibility for the incident. The attack comes at a particularly sensitive moment for Pakistan. Just days ago, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed a landmark mutual defence agreement in Makkah under which an armed attack against one member is to be treated as an attack against all three.&nbsp;That agreement was signed as Saudi Arabia faces growing attacks from Iran-aligned forces, including the Houthis. A Houthi drone attack on a Saudi Aramco facility in Jazan was reported shortly after the pact was signed. The deaths of Pakistani crew members in the latest Red Sea attack could therefore put additional pressure on Islamabad to clarify how far it is prepared to go.<h2>Will Pakistan join the war?</h2>For now, the answer is not necessarily. The deaths of Pakistani citizens could increase domestic and diplomatic pressure on Islamabad, but they do not automatically mean Pakistan will enter the conflict militarily. The new Pakistan-Saudi-Turkiye agreement is designed as a collective defence arrangement, but its practical application will depend on the circumstances of an attack and the decisions taken by the three governments. Analysts have also described the pact as a deterrence mechanism rather than an unconditional guarantee of military intervention.&nbsp;The key question, therefore, is whether the attack on the Tihamah is treated as an attack that triggers Pakistan's obligations under the new pact. That distinction could become crucial. The ship was Tanzania-flagged, and the reported victims were Pakistani and Indonesian crew members. The incident therefore differs from a direct attack on Pakistani territory, military forces or a Pakistani-flagged vessel. Islamabad could condemn the deaths, demand an investigation and increase maritime security without immediately deploying combat forces.<h2>Why the new tripartite pact matters</h2>The timing of the attack has put the newly signed defence agreement under an early spotlight. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the agreement in Makkah on August 7, establishing a framework for collective defence. The pact has been compared with NATO-style mutual defence arrangements because an attack on one member is to be regarded as an attack on all.&nbsp;Saudi Arabia is currently the member facing the most immediate threat from the Houthis. The Iran-aligned Yemeni group has already declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia and has carried out attacks affecting Saudi interests. A Houthi strike on a Saudi Aramco facility was reported just days after the defence pact was signed. That means the pact could face its first major test in Yemen and the Red Sea. For Pakistan, however, there is a major difference between supporting Saudi Arabia's security and entering a broader war against the Houthis or Iran-aligned forces.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bashar-al-assad-sentenced-to-death-in-absentia-fall-of-a-dictator-political-profile-1786441067165">Bashar al-Assad sentenced to death in absentia: Fall of a dictator</a><h2>The Pakistani connection makes the latest attack more sensitive</h2>The presence of two Pakistani nationals among those killed changes the political optics of the attack. Pakistan has historically maintained close military and strategic relations with Saudi Arabia, while also seeking to avoid being pulled into conflicts involving regional powers. Islamabad has previously positioned itself as a potential mediator in Middle Eastern conflicts. Any decision to deploy forces could therefore represent a major shift in its regional policy.&nbsp;At the same time, the deaths of Pakistani citizens could make it increasingly difficult for the government to remain completely detached if attacks on commercial shipping continue. The question will be whether Islamabad responds through diplomatic channels, maritime security measures or direct military cooperation with Saudi Arabia.<h2>Could Pakistan deploy its military?</h2>A direct Pakistani military intervention remains far from certain. Pakistan could potentially strengthen maritime surveillance, provide intelligence, assist in protecting Saudi territory or participate in defensive operations without declaring war or launching offensive operations against the Houthis.&nbsp;A larger military deployment would carry considerably greater risks. Pakistan would have to weigh its relationship with Saudi Arabia against its broader regional interests, its relationship with Iran and the possibility of becoming directly involved in a conflict that could spread across the Red Sea and Gulf. The government would also have to consider domestic political reaction and the economic consequences of a prolonged military engagement.<h2>Why Bab el-Mandeb matters?</h2>The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, known as ‘Gate of Tears’ because of its historically treacherous sailing conditions, is one of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints. It connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and provides a crucial shipping route between Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The strait has become even more significant as the Strait of Hormuz remains shut amid the wider regional conflict.&nbsp;The Houthis have repeatedly threatened to disrupt shipping through Bab el-Mandeb. Around 12% of global trade passes through the waterway, making any sustained disruption a major concern for international commerce. Kpler data showed that an average of 32 ships per day passed through Bab el-Mandeb last week, compared with around 50 vessels per day before the blockade, according to Reuters. The latest attack could therefore have consequences far beyond Yemen.<h2>What happens if more Pakistani nationals are killed?</h2>This could become the biggest test for Islamabad. If further attacks kill or injure Pakistani citizens, particularly if Pakistani-flagged ships or military personnel are targeted, pressure on the government to take a stronger position could rise sharply. A direct attack on Saudi Arabia would create another complication.&nbsp;Under the new Pakistan-Saudi-Türkiye defence framework, an attack on a member is to be treated as an attack on all three. But the pact's practical response would still depend on political consultations and the nature of the attack. This leaves Pakistan with several possible responses, from diplomatic condemnation and intelligence cooperation to defensive military assistance. A full-scale entry into the war would be the most consequential option and, at present, cannot be assumed from the deaths aboard the Tihamah alone.<h2>Will Pakistan join the war now?</h2>The short answer is: not necessarily — but the pressure on Islamabad is increasing. The deaths of two Pakistanis in the Bab el-Mandeb attack come at a highly sensitive moment, just days after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye created a new mutual defence framework. If the Houthis escalate their attacks against Saudi Arabia, target Pakistani assets or citizens again, or directly threaten the territory of a pact member, Pakistan could face a much more difficult decision.&nbsp;For now, Islamabad has room to respond diplomatically and defensively without becoming a direct combatant. But if the Red Sea crisis escalates and the new defence pact is formally invoked, the question of whether Pakistan will join the war could move from speculation to an immediate strategic decision.

Two Pakistanis were killed in a Houthi attack in Bab el-Mandeb. Will Pakistan join the war as its new Saudi-Turkiye defence pact faces its first test?

The killing of two Pakistani nationals in a Houthi attack on a commercial vessel in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has raised a major question: will Pakistan now be drawn directly into the widening Middle East conflict? At least three crew members were killed after a deck cargo ship was attacked in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to Yemeni coast guard sources and military officials cited by news agency Reuters. The victims reportedly included two Pakistani nationals and one Indonesian national. The Tanzania-flagged Tihamah was sailing from Salalah in Oman towards Djibouti when it came under attack. The Houthis have not yet claimed responsibility for the incident. The attack comes at a particularly sensitive moment for Pakistan. Just days ago, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed a landmark mutual defence agreement in Makkah under which an armed attack against one member is to be treated as an attack against all three. That agreement was signed as Saudi Arabia faces growing attacks from Iran-aligned forces, including the Houthis. A Houthi drone attack on a Saudi Aramco facility in Jazan was reported shortly after the pact was signed. The deaths of Pakistani crew members in the latest Red Sea attack could therefore put additional pressure on Islamabad to clarify how far it is prepared to go. Will Pakistan join the war? For now, the answer is not necessarily. The deaths of Pakistani citizens could increase domestic and diplomatic pressure on Islamabad, but they do not automatically mean Pakistan will enter the conflict militarily. The new Pakistan-Saudi-Turkiye agreement is designed as a collective defence arrangement, but its practical application will depend on the circumstances of an attack and the decisions taken by the three governments. Analysts have also described the pact as a deterrence mechanism rather than an unconditional guarantee of military intervention. The key question, therefore, is whether the attack on the Tihamah is treated as an attack that triggers Pakistan's obligations under the new pact. That distinction could become crucial. The ship was Tanzania-flagged, and the reported victims were Pakistani and Indonesian crew members. The incident therefore differs from a direct attack on Pakistani territory, military forces or a Pakistani-flagged vessel. Islamabad could condemn the deaths, demand an investigation and increase maritime security without immediately deploying combat forces. Why the new tripartite pact matters The timing of the attack has put the newly signed defence agreement under an early spotlight. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the agreement in Makkah on August 7, establishing a framework for collective defence. The pact has been compared with NATO-style mutual defence arrangements because an attack on one member is to be regarded as an attack on all. Saudi Arabia is currently the member facing the most immediate threat from the Houthis. The Iran-aligned Yemeni group has already declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia and has carried out attacks affecting Saudi interests. A Houthi strike on a Saudi Aramco facility was reported just days after the defence pact was signed. That means the pact could face its first major test in Yemen and the Red Sea. For Pakistan, however, there is a major difference between supporting Saudi Arabia's security and entering a broader war against the Houthis or Iran-aligned forces. Also Read: Bashar al-Assad sentenced to death in absentia: Fall of a dictator The Pakistani connection makes the latest attack more sensitive The presence of two Pakistani nationals among those killed changes the political optics of the attack. Pakistan has historically maintained close military and strategic relations with Saudi Arabia, while also seeking to avoid being pulled into conflicts involving regional powers. Islamabad has previously positioned itself as a potential mediator in Middle Eastern conflicts. Any decision to deploy forces could therefore represent a major shift in its regional policy. At the same time, the deaths of Pakistani citizens could make it increasingly difficult for the government to remain completely detached if attacks on commercial shipping continue. The question will be whether Islamabad responds through diplomatic channels, maritime security measures or direct military cooperation with Saudi Arabia. Could Pakistan deploy its military? A direct Pakistani military intervention remains far from certain. Pakistan could potentially strengthen maritime surveillance, provide intelligence, assist in protecting Saudi territory or participate in defensive operations without declaring war or launching offensive operations against the Houthis. A larger military deployment would carry considerably greater risks. Pakistan would have to weigh its relationship with Saudi Arabia against its broader regional interests, its relationship with Iran and the possibility of becoming directly involved in a conflict that could spread across the Red Sea and Gulf. The government would also have to consider domestic political reaction and the economic consequences of a prolonged military engagement. Why Bab el-Mandeb matters? The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, known as ‘Gate of Tears’ because of its historically treacherous sailing conditions, is one of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints. It connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and provides a crucial shipping route between Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The strait has become even more significant as the Strait of Hormuz remains shut amid the wider regional conflict. The Houthis have repeatedly threatened to disrupt shipping through Bab el-Mandeb. Around 12% of global trade passes through the waterway, making any sustained disruption a major concern for international commerce. Kpler data showed that an average of 32 ships per day passed through Bab el-Mandeb last week, compared with around 50 vessels per day before the blockade, according to Reuters. The latest attack could therefore have consequences far beyond Yemen. What happens if more Pakistani nationals are killed? This could become the biggest test for Islamabad. If further attacks kill or injure Pakistani citizens, particularly if Pakistani-flagged ships or military personnel are targeted, pressure on the government to take a stronger position could rise sharply. A direct attack on Saudi Arabia would create another complication. Under the new Pakistan-Saudi-Türkiye defence framework, an attack on a member is to be treated as an attack on all three. But the pact's practical response would still depend on political consultations and the nature of the attack. This leaves Pakistan with several possible responses, from diplomatic condemnation and intelligence cooperation to defensive military assistance. A full-scale entry into the war would be the most consequential option and, at present, cannot be assumed from the deaths aboard the Tihamah alone. Will Pakistan join the war now? The short answer is: not necessarily — but the pressure on Islamabad is increasing. The deaths of two Pakistanis in the Bab el-Mandeb attack come at a highly sensitive moment, just days after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye created a new mutual defence framework. If the Houthis escalate their attacks against Saudi Arabia, target Pakistani assets or citizens again, or directly threaten the territory of a pact member, Pakistan could face a much more difficult decision. For now, Islamabad has room to respond diplomatically and defensively without becoming a direct combatant. But if the Red Sea crisis escalates and the new defence pact is formally invoked, the question of whether Pakistan will join the war could move from speculation to an immediate strategic decision.

Two Pakistanis were killed in a Houthi attack as a new Pakistan-Saudi-Turkiye defence pact faces its first test. Will Islamabad join the war?

Two Pakistani killed in Houthi attack in test for Iran war mediator

Iran has asked the Houthis to be on standby to close the Red Sea oil route if the United States strikes Iranian power infrastructure, reported Reuters on Thursday. The report quotes three officials, two Iranian and one Yemeni, who are familiar with these high-level talks. It suggests that the Houthis have completed the deployment of missiles and drones ​near the strait.&nbsp;The idea, however, is not new; the Islamic Republic has previously threatened numerous times that it would potentially close another vital choke point, Bab-el-Mandeb, which connects Europe with Asia, through the Suez Canal. In March, Houthis said that they remain prepared to respond to the call from the Islamic Republic. Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei said that Iran is yet to unleash the full scale of the "Axis of Resistance” and the operations will not just target military assets but will also explore other strategic options.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-defends-hafiz-saeed-india-chargesheet-pahalgam-terror-attack-1784195773348">Pakistan backs Hafiz Saeed after India names LeT chief in Pahalgam terror attack chargesheet</a><h2>What does Bab-el-Mandeb mean for the global energy crisis?</h2>Deployment of heavy ammunition is being carried out in the highlands of Yemen that overlook Hodeidah, the country’s main port on the Red Sea. Located between Djibouti, the Horn of Africa and Yemen, the Arabian Peninsula, it is the strategic 30-km wide waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The Bab-el-Mandeb, also known as the Gate of Tears, is responsible for 10 per cent of all global trade. It is the only maritime link between Europe and Asia, passing through the Suez Canal. In 2023, approximately 8.8 million barrels of oil were transported daily through this corridor. It reduces the travel time by 10-15 days, saving transportation costs. Along with the Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb accounts for roughly 30 per cent of all global oil trade. The US had spent around $1bn trying to thwart the attacks of Houthis in the Red Sea in 2024, but failed. Ships were forced to reroute around Africa, with shipping costs going up by 400 per cent. This implies that both the strategic waterways will be heavily militarised, and energy prices are likely to go up significantly. Persistent militarisation of these vital choke points could spiral into a global financial crisis.&nbsp;

Iran has reportedly asked Yemen's Houthis to prepare to close the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait if the US targets Iranian power infrastructure, raising fears of disruptions to global oil trade and shipping.

Iran has asked the Houthis to be on standby to close the Red Sea oil route if the United States strikes Iranian power infrastructure, reported Reuters on Thursday. The report quotes three officials, two Iranian and one Yemeni, who are familiar with these high-level talks. It suggests that the Houthis have completed the deployment of missiles and drones near the strait. The idea, however, is not new; the Islamic Republic has previously threatened numerous times that it would potentially close another vital choke point, Bab-el-Mandeb, which connects Europe with Asia, through the Suez Canal. In March, Houthis said that they remain prepared to respond to the call from the Islamic Republic. Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei said that Iran is yet to unleash the full scale of the "Axis of Resistance” and the operations will not just target military assets but will also explore other strategic options. Also Read: Pakistan backs Hafiz Saeed after India names LeT chief in Pahalgam terror attack chargesheet What does Bab-el-Mandeb mean for the global energy crisis? Deployment of heavy ammunition is being carried out in the highlands of Yemen that overlook Hodeidah, the country’s main port on the Red Sea. Located between Djibouti, the Horn of Africa and Yemen, the Arabian Peninsula, it is the strategic 30-km wide waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The Bab-el-Mandeb, also known as the Gate of Tears, is responsible for 10 per cent of all global trade. It is the only maritime link between Europe and Asia, passing through the Suez Canal. In 2023, approximately 8.8 million barrels of oil were transported daily through this corridor. It reduces the travel time by 10-15 days, saving transportation costs. Along with the Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb accounts for roughly 30 per cent of all global oil trade. The US had spent around $1bn trying to thwart the attacks of Houthis in the Red Sea in 2024, but failed. Ships were forced to reroute around Africa, with shipping costs going up by 400 per cent. This implies that both the strategic waterways will be heavily militarised, and energy prices are likely to go up significantly. Persistent militarisation of these vital choke points could spiral into a global financial crisis.

Iran has reportedly asked Yemen's Houthis to prepare to close the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait if the US targets Iranian power infrastructure, raising fears of disruptions to global oil trade and shipping.

Could Bab-el-Mandeb be shut? Report says Iran has Houthis on standby

Explained: Hormuz 2.0? Why Bab el-Mandeb Strait is suddenly in the global spotlight

After Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb emerges as a second choke point as Iran extends indirect influence, raising risks for global trade and oil flows

Rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb threaten nearly 30% of global seaborne oil trade, raising fears of major disruptions to global energy supply and international shipping routes.

Rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb threaten nearly 30 per cent of global seaborne oil trade, raising fears of major disruptions to global energy supply and international shipping routes.&nbsp;

Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb crisis: Two chokepoints that could disrupt 30% of global oil trade