The Houthi rebels are expanding their role in the West Asia conflict by targeting Saudi oil tankers and tightening their maritime blockade in the Red Sea. Yemeni authorities accuse the Iran-backed group of copying Tehran's strategy in the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

With attacks on energy infrastructure, threats to global shipping, and reports that the Houthis may seek to charge vessels for safe passage, concerns are growing over the security of one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.

Houthis Copy Iran’s Strategy? Red Sea Blockade Threatens Global Shipping

Yemen's Houthi rebels are considering imposing fees on ships passing through the southern Red Sea after declaring a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia amid rising military tensions, Reuters reported, citing sources.&nbsp;The Iran-aligned group has opened a new front against Washington's allies in the region as tensions between Iran and the United States escalate. The Houthis have also launched attacks on tankers carrying oil and other goods beyond the Gulf.&nbsp;The Houthis are examining plans to impose fees on most vessels using the narrow Bab el-Mandeb gateway, which connects the southern Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, Reuters reported. However, the group has not set any timeline for introducing the charges, the sources said.&nbsp;According to the report, Houthi officials discussed plans to impose fees on ships transiting Bab el-Mandeb with Iranian officials during their visit to Iran in July. The delegation travelled to the country to attend the funeral ceremony of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.&nbsp;The move is intended to increase pressure on the United States. Iranian officials have reportedly advised the Houthis to establish a potential authority to regulate and collect fees from vessels passing through Bab el-Mandeb.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-rejects-oman-strait-of-hormuz-plan-us-saudi-strikes-iraq-1785319911035">Iran rejects Oman's Strait of Hormuz plan as US-Saudi strikes hit Iraq</a>&nbsp;The strait accounts for nearly 4 per cent of global energy supply, while a significant portion of Saudi Arabia's supplies passes through the waterway. Any disruption could potentially create supply constraints for the kingdom.&nbsp;The latest escalation between the United States and Iran effectively ended a 14-point memorandum signed in June. The dispute was also driven by efforts to control the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran proposed fees for ships using the waterway and later refused transit arrangements beyond the initial 60-day period, allowing passage only through an Iranian-monitored route.&nbsp;Tehran has also rejected Oman's proposal for joint regional management of the Strait of Hormuz, which would have included voluntary fees for ships, Reuters reported, citing a senior Iranian official. The decision has further reduced hopes of resolving the impasse that has disrupted Gulf trade through the strategic chokepoint for months.

Yemen's Houthi rebels are considering imposing fees on ships transiting the Red Sea after declaring a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia amid escalating tensions with the United States and its regional allies.

Yemen's Houthi rebels are considering imposing fees on ships passing through the southern Red Sea after declaring a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia amid rising military tensions, Reuters reported, citing sources. The Iran-aligned group has opened a new front against Washington's allies in the region as tensions between Iran and the United States escalate. The Houthis have also launched attacks on tankers carrying oil and other goods beyond the Gulf. The Houthis are examining plans to impose fees on most vessels using the narrow Bab el-Mandeb gateway, which connects the southern Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, Reuters reported. However, the group has not set any timeline for introducing the charges, the sources said. According to the report, Houthi officials discussed plans to impose fees on ships transiting Bab el-Mandeb with Iranian officials during their visit to Iran in July. The delegation travelled to the country to attend the funeral ceremony of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The move is intended to increase pressure on the United States. Iranian officials have reportedly advised the Houthis to establish a potential authority to regulate and collect fees from vessels passing through Bab el-Mandeb. Also Read: Iran rejects Oman's Strait of Hormuz plan as US-Saudi strikes hit Iraq The strait accounts for nearly 4 per cent of global energy supply, while a significant portion of Saudi Arabia's supplies passes through the waterway. Any disruption could potentially create supply constraints for the kingdom. The latest escalation between the United States and Iran effectively ended a 14-point memorandum signed in June. The dispute was also driven by efforts to control the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran proposed fees for ships using the waterway and later refused transit arrangements beyond the initial 60-day period, allowing passage only through an Iranian-monitored route. Tehran has also rejected Oman's proposal for joint regional management of the Strait of Hormuz, which would have included voluntary fees for ships, Reuters reported, citing a senior Iranian official. The decision has further reduced hopes of resolving the impasse that has disrupted Gulf trade through the strategic chokepoint for months.

Yemen's Houthi rebels are considering imposing fees on ships transiting the Red Sea after declaring a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia amid escalating tensions with the United States and its regional allies.

Yemen's Houthis consider fees for ships transiting Red Sea after declaring Saudi blockade: Report

The Iran-backed Houthis claimed on Saturday (July 25) that they targeted Saudi Aramco facilities in Jazan and Yanbu with missiles and drones, in response to the Saudi-led strikes on Houthi-held areas along the Red Sea coast of Yemen. However, Saudi Arabia has not yet confirmed the attack on facilities despite several videos and images. Jazan is home to a major oil refinery, while Yanbu functions as a key export point on the Red Sea, enabling Saudi crude to avoid the Strait of Hormuz altogether. Given that Hormuz is already strained, targeting Yanbu puts at risk the very alternative route Saudi Arabia has come to rely on for keeping oil exports flowing.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">⚡️BREAKING: 3 Houthi Ballistic Missiles have hit Aramco Refinery in Jazan This is the 5th Largest Oil Refinery in Saudi Arabia<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Ir%C3%A1n?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Irán</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/IranWar%E2%80%8C?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IranWar‌</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/pakist%C3%A1n?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pakistán</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Kuwait?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kuwait</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Jordan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jordan</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Bahrain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bahrain</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Oman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oman</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Qatar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Qatar</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/SaudiArabia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaudiArabia</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Houthi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Houthi</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/UAE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAE</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> <a href="https://t.co/IC4xqnebos">pic.twitter.com/IC4xqnebos</a>&mdash; Iran Flash News (@FlashWireNews) <a href="https://x.com/FlashWireNews/status/2080953786927927375?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

By striking Yanbu, the Houthis are essentially widening the conflict beyond the Persian Gulf into the Red Sea, putting a second critical energy corridor in jeopardy. Yahya Saree cautioned that the group's operations could grow in scale and intensity "in the coming hours and days." These strikes come on the heels of the first Saudi-led airstrikes against the Houthis since the 2022 ceasefire, heightening concerns that the broader Iran conflict may be reigniting the Saudi-Houthi confrontation in Yemen.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/takaichi-s-1-7tn-spending-plan-sparks-fears-of-liz-truss-style-shock-how-will-it-impact-japan-china-and-india-1785059302899">Takaichi's £1.7tn spending plan sparks fears of 'Liz Truss-style' shock: How will it impact Japan, China and India?</a><h3>Houthi shoots down Saudi drone &nbsp;</h3>Later in the day, Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed that they shot down a Saudi drone over the northwest of Yemen. It comes a day after the Yemeni group claimed it attacked oil facilities in the Gulf kingdom. The Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group "successfully shot down a Turkish-made... armed reconnaissance drone belonging to the Saudi enemy while it was conducting hostile operations". Meanwhile, Iran stated on Sunday (July 26) that it has stopped retaliatory attacks in the region after the United States halted its strikes on the country for the past two nights. "These attacks continued until two nights ago, but over the past two nights the Americans have stopped their attacks," said army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia. "Since... our strategy has essentially been retaliatory, we have also halted our retaliatory operations."

These strikes come on the heels of the first Saudi-led airstrikes against the Houthis since the 2022 ceasefire, heightening concerns that the broader Iran conflict may be reigniting the Saudi-Houthi confrontation in Yemen.

The Iran-backed Houthis claimed on Saturday (July 25) that they targeted Saudi Aramco facilities in Jazan and Yanbu with missiles and drones, in response to the Saudi-led strikes on Houthi-held areas along the Red Sea coast of Yemen. However, Saudi Arabia has not yet confirmed the attack on facilities despite several videos and images. Jazan is home to a major oil refinery, while Yanbu functions as a key export point on the Red Sea, enabling Saudi crude to avoid the Strait of Hormuz altogether. Given that Hormuz is already strained, targeting Yanbu puts at risk the very alternative route Saudi Arabia has come to rely on for keeping oil exports flowing.

These strikes come on the heels of the first Saudi-led airstrikes against the Houthis since the 2022 ceasefire, heightening concerns that the broader Iran conflict may be reigniting the Saudi-Houthi confrontation in Yemen.

Houthis strike Saudi oil facilities, shoot down drone in escalating tensions: VIDEO

The Middle East conflict is entering a dangerous new phase as Yemen's Houthi rebels intensify attacks on Saudi-linked shipping in the Red Sea. After announcing a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia, the Houthis claim they have struck Saudi oil tankers, raising fears of a wider regional war and renewed disruption to global energy supplies.
The escalation comes as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted, placing immense pressure on another vital maritime chokepoint—the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Saudi Arabia, which has relied on Red Sea ports to bypass Hormuz, now faces fresh threats to its oil exports.


Houthis Target Saudi Oil Tankers | Red Sea Blockade Escalates | US Faces New Middle East Crisis

Yemen's Houthi rebels claim they have shot down a Saudi-operated reconnaissance drone over Al Bayda Governorate, marking another escalation in regional tensions. The announcement comes after the Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of targeting Sana'a International Airport and vowed retaliation.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council has extended its monitoring of Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The United States urged stronger enforcement of the arms embargo, accusing the Houthis of acting as an Iranian proxy, while China criticized Washington's role in fueling regional instability

Houthis shoot down Saudi drone | Red Sea crisis deepens | UN extends Houthis ' shipping monitoring 

A United States Navy warship in the Red Sea shot down an Iran-produced drone launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, said the US Central Command on Wednesday (Nov 29), in the latest string of attacks by the Houthi rebels. The US forces in the Middle East have been on high alert since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war to ensure that the conflict doesn’t spread.&nbsp;

<h2>US warship destroys drone</h2>

The Iranian-made KAS-04 drone which was launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen was heading towards the warship and was downed by USS Carney, a Navy destroyer, said the US Central Command, which is a part of the Department of Defense, on X.&nbsp;

“Although its intentions are not known, the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) was heading toward the warship,” said the US officials, adding that at the time the Carney was escorting two ships, one of which was carrying military equipment to the region.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-forces-in-iraq-syria-attacked-13-times-in-week-two-dozen-military-personnel-injured-650914">US forces in Iraq, Syria attacked 13 times in a week, two dozen military personnel injured</a>

The ship was operating in the southern Red Sea and was moving towards the strait as it escorted the&nbsp;USNS Supply, a military sealift command fast combat supply ship, as well as another US-flagged crewed ship carrying military equipment to the region.

No injuries to the US personnel or damage was reported to the US ships after the incident, the statement added.&nbsp;

This comes a day after an Iranian drone flew within 1,370 metres of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier while it was conducting flight operations in international waters. US officials also said that the drone ignored multiple warnings but eventually turned away.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-will-attacks-on-us-military-assets-in-west-asia-turn-israel-hamas-conflict-into-regional-war-650818">Explained | Will attacks on US military assets in West Asia turn Israel-Hamas conflict into regional war?</a>

“This unsafe, unprofessional, and irresponsible behaviour by Iran risks U.S. and partner nation lives and needs to cease immediately,” said Navy Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Naval Forces Central Command.&nbsp;

<h2>US ramps up forces in the Middle East</h2>

The US has sent a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-forces-attack-iraqi-air-base-kill-iran-backed-forces-661302">significant amount</a> of naval power to the Middle East in the past month, particularly since the beginning of the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, including two aircraft carriers, their support ships and thousands of American troops since October.

(With inputs from agencies)

A United States Navy warship in the Red Sea shot down an Iran-produced drone launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, said the US Central Command on Wednesday (Nov 29), in the latest string of attacks by the Houthi rebels.

A United States Navy warship in the Red Sea shot down an Iran-produced drone launched from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, said the US Central Command on Wednesday (Nov 29), in the latest string of attacks by the Houthi rebels. The US forces in the Middle East have been on high alert since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war to ensure that the conflict doesn’t spread. US warship destroys drone The Iranian-made KAS-04 drone which was launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen was heading towards the warship and was downed by USS Carney, a Navy destroyer, said the US Central Command, which is a part of the Department of Defense, on X. “Although its intentions are not known, the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) was heading toward the warship,” said the US officials, adding that at the time the Carney was escorting two ships, one of which was carrying military equipment to the region. ALSO READ | US forces in Iraq, Syria attacked 13 times in a week, two dozen military personnel injured The ship was operating in the southern Red Sea and was moving towards the strait as it escorted the USNS Supply, a military sealift command fast combat supply ship, as well as another US-flagged crewed ship carrying military equipment to the region. No injuries to the US personnel or damage was reported to the US ships after the incident, the statement added. This comes a day after an Iranian drone flew within 1,370 metres of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier while it was conducting flight operations in international waters. US officials also said that the drone ignored multiple warnings but eventually turned away. ALSO READ | Explained | Will attacks on US military assets in West Asia turn Israel-Hamas conflict into regional war? “This unsafe, unprofessional, and irresponsible behaviour by Iran risks U.S. and partner nation lives and needs to cease immediately,” said Navy Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Naval Forces Central Command. US ramps up forces in the Middle East The US has sent a significant amount of naval power to the Middle East in the past month, particularly since the beginning of the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, including two aircraft carriers, their support ships and thousands of American troops since October. (With inputs from agencies)

US Navy warship shoots down Iranian-made drone launched by Houthis from Yemen

The United Nations envoy for Yemen welcomed Saturday an offer from the country's Houthi rebels to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthis-say-aramco-plants-still-a-target-report-249938">halt all attacks on Saudi Arabia</a>, saying it could bring an end to years of bloody conflict.

Implementation of the initiative by the Houthis "in good faith could send a powerful message of the will to end the war," Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths said.&nbsp;

The Iran-backed Houthis, which control the capital Sanaa and other parts of Yemen, have been fighting against a Saudi-led coalition which supports the country's internationally recognized government in a devastating five-year war.

Griffiths hailed "the desire for a political solution to end the conflict" in a statement issued from UN headquarters in New York.

On Friday, the Houthis proposed halting attacks on Saudi Arabia as part of a peace initiative.

Saudi Arabia gave a cautious response, with the minister of state for foreign affairs Adel al-Jubeir saying on Saturday, "We judge other parties by their deeds, actions and not by their words, so we will see (whether) they actually do this or not."

Griffiths stressed "the importance of taking advantage of this opportunity and moving forward with all necessary steps to reduce violence, military escalation and unhelpful rhetoric."

The Houthis' announcement comes after a wave of drone strikes last weekend on Saudi oil installations, which knocked out half of Saudi Arabia's production and sent shock waves through energy markets.&nbsp;

The attacks were claimed by Yemen's Houthis, but the United States says it has concluded the strikes involved cruise missiles from Iran.

Yemen's conflict has killed tens of thousands of people -- most of them civilians -- and driven millions more to the brink of famine in what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

The United Nations envoy for Yemen welcomed Saturday an offer from the country's Houthi rebels to halt all attacks on Saudi Arabia, saying it could bring an end to years of bloody conflict.

The United Nations envoy for Yemen welcomed Saturday an offer from the country's Houthi rebels to halt all attacks on Saudi Arabia, saying it could bring an end to years of bloody conflict. Implementation of the initiative by the Houthis "in good faith could send a powerful message of the will to end the war," Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths said. The Iran-backed Houthis, which control the capital Sanaa and other parts of Yemen, have been fighting against a Saudi-led coalition which supports the country's internationally recognized government in a devastating five-year war. Griffiths hailed "the desire for a political solution to end the conflict" in a statement issued from UN headquarters in New York. On Friday, the Houthis proposed halting attacks on Saudi Arabia as part of a peace initiative. Saudi Arabia gave a cautious response, with the minister of state for foreign affairs Adel al-Jubeir saying on Saturday, "We judge other parties by their deeds, actions and not by their words, so we will see (whether) they actually do this or not." Griffiths stressed "the importance of taking advantage of this opportunity and moving forward with all necessary steps to reduce violence, military escalation and unhelpful rhetoric." The Houthis' announcement comes after a wave of drone strikes last weekend on Saudi oil installations, which knocked out half of Saudi Arabia's production and sent shock waves through energy markets. The attacks were claimed by Yemen's Houthis, but the United States says it has concluded the strikes involved cruise missiles from Iran. Yemen's conflict has killed tens of thousands of people -- most of them civilians -- and driven millions more to the brink of famine in what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

United Nations welcomes Houthi offer to halt all attacks on Saudi Arabia