Sanaa, Yemen – Web Desk: Yemen’s Houthis announced Monday they would impose a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, opening a potential new front in the US-Iran war and threatening global energy supplies beyond the Gulf .
Houthi Announcement and Saudi Response
The Houthis declared a “maritime embargo against the criminal Saudi enemy, based on the equation of ‘an eye for an eye,’ effective immediately” in response to what they called an “unjust and oppressive siege” imposed on Yemen by the Saudis . The Saudi-led coalition responded that it would meet force with force and began implementing protection measures for its ships in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital export route following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz .
US Casualties Confirmed
The Pentagon identified two US soldiers killed when Iran attacked a US base in Jordan on Friday, with a third soldier reported missing in action and remains potentially found. A fourth service member was killed in northern Iraq during the disposal of ordnance from a downed Iranian drone .
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Despite the escalation, Iranian officials said mediators had presented proposals to Tehran, signaling diplomatic contacts remain active . Two Pakistani government sources said Iran has asked Pakistan to resume its mediation role, with Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni arriving in Islamabad for talks . ASEAN foreign ministers called for “maximum restraint” and an immediate halt to hostilities .
IRGC Targets Amazon Infrastructure
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it destroyed Amazon’s central data infrastructure in Bahrain using cruise missiles in response to US attacks on civilian infrastructure in Darkhovin .
Global Impact and Price Fears
The insurance cost of shipping goods through the Red Sea rose as risks increased for merchant shipping. A full closure of the Bab el-Mandeb would reduce global oil supply by 7% .
