Saudi vessels turn back in Red Sea and steer for Suez after Houthi blockade notice

The Houthis announced a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia, creating a fresh challenge for the United States amid tensions with Iran and heightening risks to worldwide energy flows.

HOUTHI FIGHTERS hold arms while positioned near locations hit by Israeli strikes in Sanaa, Yemen, during September. Iran has reportedly lost influence over the Houthis, according to the writer.

(photo credit: KHALED ABDULLAH/REUTERS)

ByREUTERS

JULY 21, 2026 14:26

Updated: JULY 21, 2026 16:03

Two vessels that had taken on Saudi oil bound for China and India reversed course in the Red Sea on Tuesday and set course for the Suez Canal, shipping records from LSEG indicate, after receiving a caution from the Houthis.

Operators were instructed to avoid loading or unloading goods at Saudi ports, with any breach potentially leading to strikes "in any location" by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis, per an industry email circulated by the group.

The Houthis issued their naval blockade declaration against Saudi Arabia on Monday, signaling a possible expansion of conflict involving the United States and Iran while increasing pressure on global energy routes and commerce outside the Gulf region.

"Ships must not load or unload cargo at Saudi ports," the July 20 message stated, which reached several shipping firms.

"We urge your company to apply careful review and maximum caution in every transaction," the note advised, distributed across the sector and reviewed by Reuters.

The restrictions took effect at 1201 GMT on July 20, according to the communication.

"Such actions will subject the offending ships to penalties," the message continued, issued via the Houthis' Sanaa-based Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center.

"They could also face strikes anywhere within reach of Yemeni forces."

Saudi Arabia turns to Strait of Hormuz bypass

Blocking the southern entrance to the Red Sea would eliminate a key workaround for Saudi exports around the Strait of Hormuz and amplify concerns over supply disruptions.

Red Sea shipping volumes remain below prior levels following Houthi strikes near Yemen that started in November 2023, framed by the group as support for Palestinians during the Gaza conflict.

The HOCC served as the primary channel for Houthi advisories to maritime operators during their 2023-2025 campaign against commercial vessels, which concluded after the Gaza truce in October of the previous year.

"We view the message as a signal that they remain active in the region," noted a contact from one recipient firm.