Houthis attack Saudi tankers in Red Sea, oil tankers turn back

In late July 2026, Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group said they attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea near the Saudi coastal city. Saudi Arabia confirmed that one tanker was ablaze. The attacks are part of a Houthi blockade of Saudi ports, which has led to oil tankers making U-turns and avoiding the area.

The Houthi threat to shipping in the Red Sea has raised fears of a new chokepoint for global oil supplies. Pakistan warned it would use force to protect vessels in the Red Sea after the Houthis threatened Saudi ports. Tankers continue to avoid the Red Sea as the situation escalates.