Storyline
Houthis threaten Red Sea shipping blockade
Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis have announced threats to block or attack shipping in the Red Sea, including the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, allegedly at Iran's direction in response to potential US military action against Iranian infrastructure. The blockade threatens global oil supplies and shipping routes.
This is a long-running storyline that has developed over 54 days. The homepage highlights its most recent activity, so the outlet count there reflects the latest wave. The totals above cover the full run.
HouthisIranRed SeaBab al-Mandeb StraitSaudi Arabia
2026-08-01
2026-07-30
- Houthis consider imposing fees for Red Sea passage: Report
- Saudi Arabia unveils plans for multinational maritime defence coalition
- Houthis consider imposing fees for Red Sea passage: Report
- Here’s why new fronts seem to be opening up across the Middle East
- Here's why new fronts seem to be opening up across the Middle East
- Why is Saudi Arabia forming a coalition to protect the Red Sea?
2026-07-29
- Saudi Arabia seeks international coalition against Houthis in Red Sea
- Saudi Arabia seeks international coalition to protect Red Sea shipping from Houthis, sources say
- Saudi Arabia seeks international coalition to protect Red Sea shipping from Houthis, two sources say
- Houthis consider Red Sea toll for ships in echo of Iran's Strait of Hormuz demands - as oil prices surge 5% and US ceasefire crumbles
- Yemen’s Houthis considering fees for ships traversing the Red Sea, sources say
- Houthis weigh fees on commercial ships crossing Bab al-Mandeb
2026-07-28
2026-07-27
- Houthis pushing to model Iran's Hormuz control in Red Sea, Yemeni FM says
- Yemen says ready for Houthi escalation after rebels target Saudi Arabia
- Yemen's FM says Houthis using Bab al-Mandeb to mirror Iran's pressure
- Bab al-Mandeb: US war on Iran gives Houthis new leverage over Saudi Arabia
- Bab al-Mandeb: US war on Iran gives Houthis new leverage over Saudi Arabia
2026-07-25
- US-Iran war spreads as Saudi Arabia, Houthis trade airstrikes in Red Sea escalation
- As Trump mulls Iran escalation, Houthis fire on Saudi Red Sea oil sites
- Middle East: Red Sea tensions grow as Saudi-Houthi clashes open new front
- Houthi blockade of Saudi trade threatens wider Middle East conflict
- Saudi Arabia and Houthis exchange fire as US attacks tanker in Hormuz Strait
- Iran war: Saudi-led coalition attacks Yemen's Hodeida port city
2026-07-24
- Saudi strikes Houthi sites in Yemen as conflict flares
- Oil shipments are under attack on multiple fronts as fighting escalates in Red Sea, Hormuz and Black Sea
- Yemen's Houthis deny they closed Bab al-Mandeb Strait
- Houthi spokesperson says naval blockade in Bab el-Mandeb is only against Saudi Arabia
- A new chokepoint
- Pakistan warns Houthi rebels to steer clear of its ships
2026-07-23
- IMO chief condemns attacks on shipping in the Red Sea area
- Bab al-Mandeb Strait: another key oil shipping route under threat
- Yemen’s Houthis attack Saudi tankers in the Red Sea, threatening to widen Iran war
- Qatar condemns Houthi attack on Saudi vessel
- Yemen's Houthis attack Saudi tankers in the Red Sea, threatening to widen Iran war
- How Houthi strikes on oil tankers will impact the Middle East war
- Red Sea attacks spur fears of expanding Middle East war
- Houthis attack 2 Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, threatening to open a new front in the Iran war
- A new threat by Yemen’s Houthis could widen the Iran war and put another trade chokepoint at risk
- Houthi attacks threaten to cut off Saudi Arabia’s oil lifeline
- PM Shehbaz speaks to Saudi crown prince, condemns 'unacceptable' Houthi attack on vessels in Red Sea
- Houthis say they attacked 2 Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea as US carries out 12th night of strikes