RIYADH: A Houthi threat to impose a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia and disrupt global energy supplies has sparked fresh concerns over the security of one of the world’s most important maritime corridors. But according to former senior CIA intelligence officer Norman Roule, the Iran-backed group now faces a vastly different strategic environment than it did a decade ago. On Monday, Yemen’s Houthis declared what they described as a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, warning that energy exports beyond the Gulf could also be targeted.

The move could increase pressure on already-strained global energy markets.

CAIRO (AP) — Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels on Monday announced they are imposing a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia in retaliation for a blockade on Yemen and a recent…