At least nine oil tankers have reversed course near Yemen after Houthi rebels declared a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, with the vessels carrying a combined 6.2 million barrels of Saudi crude among them.
The EU's naval force Aspides advised merchant vessels linked to Israeli, US or Saudi interests to avoid the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Houthi forces also claimed missile and drone strikes on two Saudi tankers, the Encelia and Layla, while a Saudi-owned vessel caught fire after being hit in the Red Sea.
President Donald Trump warned that the United States would "take care of" the Houthis if they enforce the port blockade, suggesting Washington could be drawn into the conflict. The embargo threatens Saudi Arabia's Red Sea export corridor, which has handled 4.5 million barrels daily since the Strait of Hormuz closure.