Houthis Launch New Campaign Against Saudi Arabia, Threatening Global Energy Supplies

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have launched a new campaign against Saudi Arabia, targeting the country's energy facilities and export routes. The move is aimed at consolidating their influence over the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, one of the world's busiest maritime chokepoints.

The Houthis have already declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, which is the world's largest oil exporter. If they gain control of the strait, it would further isolate Gulf oil producers from their main shipping routes and potentially disrupt global energy supplies.

Iran's support for the Houthi rebels is seen as an attempt to create leverage in its confrontation with the U.S. Energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have already fallen sharply, contributing to a major rise in oil prices.

The Houthis' operational reach has been extended by their use of missiles, drones, and guided munitions, allowing them to strike Saudi energy facilities, southern cities, and maritime traffic at low cost. The group's control of the Red Sea coastline and Perim Island adds new capabilities to their arsenal, making it more difficult for Saudi Arabia to defend itself.

The U.S. has met with Houthi representatives in Oman, but Washington has continued to support a cease-fire agreement with the group despite designating them as a 'foreign terrorist organization' in March 2025.