At least four tankers carrying Saudi crude have altered course following warnings from Yemen's Houthi rebels. The Iran-backed group announced a blockade of Saudi ports and broadcast radio warnings to ships, stating they could not pass through the Bab al-Mandab Strait if they had called at Saudi ports.

These threats escalate the risk of conflict in the Red Sea, a vital route for oil supplies. The port of Yanbu has become crucial for Saudi exports, handling nearly 4.9 million barrels of crude daily. Three tankers that changed course had loaded at Yanbu, while a fourth was en route to load.

The situation intensifies tensions in the US-Iran conflict, particularly after the Strait of Hormuz became largely closed to shipping. Analysts describe the Houthi and Iranian threats as a "pincer movement" on global energy flows, with refined products at risk. Saudi Arabia has vowed to protect its ships in accordance with international law.