MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. Houthi threats against Saudi shipping are raising concerns over a new front in the Middle East conflict and risks to global energy supplies; UN divisions are hindering efforts to respond to the escalating Middle East conflict and shipping disruptions; and Japan is considering revising its Three Non-Nuclear Principles, drawing criticism from Russia and China. These stories topped Wednesday’s newspaper headlines across Russia.
Vedomosti: Houthi blockade threat could open new regional front, strain Saudi trade routes
Saudi Arabia-led Arab Coalition forces (which also include Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Senegal) have threatened to use force against the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen if it begins attacking civilian vessels in the Red Sea. The warning was issued by coalition spokesman Saudi Major General Turki Al-Maliki on X in response to the Houthis’ announcement on July 20 of a maritime blockade targeting Saudi Arabia. The move could potentially open a new front in the region and disrupt global energy supplies beyond the Persian Gulf, Vedomosti writes. The Houthis declared the Bab el-Mandeb Strait closed to Saudi vessels, citing what they described as Riyadh’s "unjust blockade of Yemen." Saudi Arabia rejected the accusation.
