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Iran-backed Houthi terrorists choke global energy supply with illegal maritime blockade

Oil tankers forced to flee as Iranian proxies threaten international shipping lanes, threatening energy security and global markets.

Foreign PolicyPublished July 22, 2026 at 2:42 PM
An image of a tanker with BBC Verify branding

The Iranian-backed Houthi terror group has once again demonstrated its role as a global menace, declaring an illegal 'maritime embargo' that has forced at least seven oil tankers to perform emergency U-turns near Yemen.

This act of aggression directly targets vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, through which nearly 15% of global sea trade flows. The Houthis, acting as a proxy for the Iranian regime, are threatening to target any vessel linked to Saudi, US, or Israeli interests.

This escalation comes as the Red Sea has become a critical lifeline for Saudi oil exports following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime intelligence confirms that vessels, including the Liberian-flagged Rodos and Mica, were forced to reverse course to avoid the threat of Houthi violence.

Experts warn that if these terrorists continue to restrict trade, global energy prices will inevitably spike, ultimately hitting the wallets of everyday consumers.

While the Houthis claim their blockade is in retaliation for regional conflicts, their history of attacking merchant vessels—resulting in four sunk ships and the deaths of nine crew members—proves they are a lawless force that respects no international norms.

Saudi Arabia has vowed to take all necessary measures to protect its ships, but the vulnerability of the global energy system to these Iranian-backed disruptions is clear.

As captains now broadcast the presence of armed guards to deter potential attacks, the reality remains that the world's energy security is being held hostage by a terrorist organization that thrives on chaos.

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