Saudi Arabia rejects Houthi ‘maritime embargo’ threat and warns of Red Sea escalation | The National

Houthi supporters in Sanaa gather in front of a digital billboard of Bab Al Mandeb, a critical maritime chokepoint between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. EPAInfoClosure of Bab Al Mandeb strait would affect Saudi oil exportsThe NationalJuly 21, 2026

Saudi Arabia has condemned the Houthi declaration of a "maritime embargo," accusing the Iran-backed group of making false claims about a Saudi blockade.

The Houthis announced the embargo on Monday, saying it would take effect immediately, without specifying how or where it would apply.

Riyadh says it has supported Yemen through aid, development projects, fuel supplies and facilitating the entry of food and building materials through northern ports.

A Houthi closure of the Bab Al Mandeb strait could halt Saudi oil exports to Asia and severely disrupt regional trade routes.