Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers disrupt Red Sea shipping

In late July 2026, Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, with Saudi Arabia confirming one was set ablaze. The Houthis then threatened to target any shipping using Saudi ports on the Red Sea, effectively imposing a blockade. This caused many oil tankers to turn back or avoid the area, raising fears of a new chokepoint for global oil supplies.

Pakistan responded by warning it would use force to protect vessels in the Red Sea. The situation has heightened tensions in the region, as the Houthis' actions risk disrupting a key maritime route for oil shipments.