The Red Sea has become a theatre of war, as Yemen's Houthi fighters, backed by Iran, unleash fresh attacks on shipping in the region. This week's strikes have targeted two Saudi vessels with missiles, while the Houthis claim to have issued warnings that forced ten other ships to alter course and avoid Saudi ports altogether. The consequences are dire: the Bab El Mandeb Strait, a narrow yet vital maritime artery connecting the Red Sea with the Indian Ocean, is now in the firing line – and this poses a significant threat to global trade.
The attacks come at a time when the world's economy is already feeling the strain. Following Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Saudi Arabia had been reliant on an alternative route for its oil exports: the East-West Pipeline, which transports crude from eastern oilfields to the Red Sea terminal at Yanbu' Al-Bahr. However, if Houthi missiles continue to threaten vessels in the Bab El Mandeb Strait, this vital supply chain will be severely disrupted – with far-reaching consequences for energy prices and the global economy.
The Houthis' aggression marks a worrying escalation of tensions in the region. While they had observed a ceasefire with Saudi Arabia since 2022, a recent uptick in violence has seen US Central Command (Centcom) launch a series of air strikes against Iranian coastal radar, drone, and missile bases. The Gulf Arab states, once bastions of stability, are now facing persistent attacks from Iran – fuelling further instability.
The implications for the UK are clear: disruptions to global shipping routes and energy supplies will inevitably translate into higher costs for British consumers and businesses. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is likely to review its travel advice for the region, particularly for maritime routes and surrounding countries. British nationals working in shipping or living in the affected areas may face increased risks – and the UK Government will be closely monitoring the situation for potential impacts on trade and regional stability.
The Houthis' history of targeting international shipping is well-documented. Since seizing control of Yemen's capital Sanaa in 2014, they have repeatedly launched attacks on vessels deemed to be linked to Israel or other perceived enemies – including strikes that took place between 2023 and 2025 in the Red Sea. Their resilience against military interventions, including a Saudi-led campaign since 2015, underscores their entrenched position and capacity for disruption.