Saudi Arabia's Red Sea oil shipments are increasingly disappearing from tracking systems as tanker operators reportedly switch off their Automatic Identification Systems amid growing fears of Houthi attacks.

The development comes as the Houthis intensify threats against Saudi-linked shipping and oil infrastructure, putting a key route for global energy supplies under mounting pressure.

Recent Houthi attacks have targeted commercial shipping in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, while the group has also claimed attacks involving Saudi oil infrastructure, including the Yanbu oil hub and Aramco facilities in Jazan.

The disruption is making it harder for traders and energy agencies to determine how much Saudi crude is actually being shipped. Estimates of recent Yanbu loadings have reportedly varied significantly between shipping-data providers.

At the same time, Saudi Arabia appears to be moving more crude north through the Red Sea, while risks around the Suez Canal, Bab al-Mandab and Strait of Hormuz continue to complicate global energy flows.

Saudi Oil Tankers Go Dark Amid Houthi Attacks | Houthi Attacks Shake Red Sea Energy Route

Russia has issued a stark warning to Western countries over efforts to disrupt its so-called shadow fleet, raising fears that the confrontation could spill into international shipping lanes.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened retaliation if Western nations move to seize Russian vessels or assets linked to the shadow fleet. Moscow says such actions would amount to piracy and has warned that any response would not necessarily take place in the same waters.

The escalating tensions are creating a major challenge for Britain’s Royal Navy, which is already monitoring Russian warships and shadow fleet vessels around UK waters. Reports cited in the segment suggest concerns over whether the Royal Navy has sufficient ships, weapons and resources to protect commercial shipping across vast maritime routes.

As Russia and the West clash over sanctioned oil shipments, the world’s major shipping lanes could become the next arena of confrontation.

Russia Threatens Western Ships | Britain’s Royal Navy Faces Major Firepower Crisis

The Russia-Ukraine conflict is escalating in the Black Sea, raising fresh concerns over maritime security and global trade. At the same time, tensions continue to simmer in West Asia around the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, two of the world's most strategic shipping chokepoints. With multiple maritime flashpoints under pressure, fears are growing over energy supplies, commercial shipping, and regional stability.

Russia and Ukraine Escalate Black Sea War, Bab Al-Mandeb and Hormuz Tensions Continue in West Asia

Iran is intensifying pressure in West Asia through its Houthi allies, who have launched fresh attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, raising fears of a major global energy crisis. With the Strait of Hormuz already under pressure, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has emerged as a second strategic choke point, threatening global oil and gas supplies.

The Houthis claim responsibility for missile and drone strikes on Saudi-linked vessels, while Saudi Arabia has confirmed damage to one of its oil tankers. Analysts warn that if both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb are disrupted simultaneously, nearly one-quarter of the world's oil and gas supply could be affected.


Red Sea Crisis deepens | Houthi Missile attacks on Saudi ships escalate Iran-US regional conflict

President Donald Trump has declared that Iran is "not ready" to make a deal, while warning that the United States would destroy Iranian infrastructure if attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz continue.
Iran's military responded with a sharp warning, saying any U.S. strike on critical infrastructure would trigger attacks on regional oil, gas, electricity, and economic facilities, while vowing to halt oil exports entirely.

Trump Warns Iran: No Deal, More Strikes If Hormuz Attacks Continue | Oil Crisis Escalates

West Asia tensions continue to intensify as Iran claims control over the Strait of Hormuz and halts multiple oil tankers while a Saudi-linked tanker catches fire after an attack in the Red Sea. US President Donald Trump says Iran is not yet ready for a deal but believes Tehran will eventually agree to negotiations. Meanwhile, the United States and Saudi Arabia sign a landmark civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with safeguards against proliferation.

In Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discusses renewed peace efforts with US officials. In Africa, at least 21 people are killed in fresh attacks in Nigeria's Zamfara State. In business, Alphabet surpasses market expectations as Google Cloud and AI drive strong revenue growth, prompting a significant increase in capital spending for 2026.

Stay tuned for the latest international news, geopolitics, business updates, and breaking developments from around the world.

Iran Blocks Strait of Hormuz | Saudi Tanker hit in Red Sea | Trump says Iran will agree to deal 

The Middle East conflict has entered another dangerous phase as the United States launched its 12th consecutive night of strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure. President Donald Trump declared that Iran is "not ready to make a deal," while insisting Tehran will eventually agree under mounting military pressure.

Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, intensifying fears over global shipping routes and energy security. Kuwait reported intercepting hostile drones, while the US House approved a $95 billion budget package supporting operations linked to the Iran conflict. The United States and Saudi Arabia also signed a landmark civil nuclear cooperation agreement. In South America, mass protests erupted in Argentina against President Javier Milei's austerity measures, while Tesla missed Wall Street expectations despite billion-dollar profits.

US hits Iran for 12th night | Trump says Iran not ready for deal | Houthis strike Saudi tankers

Ukraine has launched one of its deepest attacks yet, striking Russia's largest refinery in Siberia, nearly 2,500 km from the border, dealing a major blow to Moscow's fuel infrastructure. The attack comes as Russia intensifies missile and drone strikes against Ukraine, with President Vladimir Putin warning of even stronger retaliation.

At the same time, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to escalate as the United States and Iran exchange strikes for a third consecutive night. Rising attacks on energy infrastructure and commercial shipping have pushed global oil prices sharply higher, raising fears of inflation, supply disruptions, and a possible global economic slowdown.

Ukraine destroys Russia’s largest refinery as Hormuz crisis explodes| Putin threatens bigger strikes

The global shortage of shipping containers has led to drastic inflation in shipping and container prices and increased delay times for companies. Watch full video to know more

WION Business News | World suffers from a major container surplus

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