The Iranian government has called on the Houthi movement in Yemen to consider a new campaign of attacks on maritime vessels in the Red Sea, contingent on any further escalation of military actions by the United States against Iran. This development comes in the wake of recent ballistic missile launches aimed at Israel by the Iran-backed group.
According to sources familiar with the situation, Houthi leaders are currently deliberating on the potential for more aggressive operations. Internal disagreements exist among the Houthis regarding the extent of their forthcoming actions. On March 28, the group announced its intention to continue military operations until the cessation of U.S. and Israeli assaults on Iran and its allies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon.
U.S. and Saudi officials have informed European allies that the Houthis are currently avoiding direct attacks on U.S. and Saudi targets. However, they warn that the prolonged conflict involving U.S. and Israeli forces against Iran increases the likelihood of strikes against vessels in the Red Sea. It has been suggested that the Houthis may delay such decisions to maintain leverage over the United States.
In response to these tensions, oil prices have continued to rise, with U.S. oil futures surpassing $100 per barrel for the first time since 2022. In an effort to mitigate losses, Saudi Arabia has ramped up oil exports from the Red Sea port of Yanbu, with the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait serving as the fastest route for shipments heading to Asia, the largest market for Saudi oil.
Any campaign targeting shipping in the southern Red Sea and near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait could significantly disrupt global energy markets. This maritime route has gained critical importance following Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz earlier in March.
Background context includes the Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, having effectively blocked shipping in the southern Red Sea and around the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait since 2023. They have cited solidarity with Hamas following the group’s attack on Israel in October 2023. This situation has complicated maritime navigation along a key global shipping route between the Suez Canal and the Indian Ocean, prompting many companies to reroute vessels around Africa, significantly increasing delivery times and costs.
Since January 2025, the United States has conducted military operations against Houthi targets in Yemen, inflicting considerable damage. In May 2025, then-President Donald Trump agreed to a ceasefire with the group. Currently, the Houthis find themselves balancing Iranian pressure with a dire economic situation in the territories they control, where, according to the United Nations, half of the population is facing hunger.
Iran's call for the Houthis to intensify maritime attacks reflects escalating tensions with the U.S. and Israel. This situation poses significant risks to global shipping and energy markets.