Yemen’s Ansar Allah, widely known as the Houthis, has announced a renewed ban on Israeli-linked vessels passing through the Red Sea, raising concerns about another major disruption to global trade routes amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.
The group declared what it described as a “total ban” on Israeli ships, warning that the move is part of its support for Iran and other allies in the region as hostilities continue to intensify.
The announcement has sparked fears of fresh instability in international shipping, particularly through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, a key global trade corridor. During the Houthis’ previous maritime campaign, vessel traffic through the canal reportedly dropped sharply, forcing many shipping companies to reroute vessels around southern Africa, resulting in higher costs and longer delivery times.
A source linked to the movement said the group remains opposed to Israeli military actions in the region and accused the United States of backing those operations. The source also argued that ongoing sanctions and blockades affecting Yemen and its allies have contributed to the crisis.
The latest development comes as Iran and Israel continue exchanging strikes despite diplomatic efforts led by US President Donald Trump to reduce tensions.
The current escalation began after Iran launched missiles in response to Israeli attacks targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. Although Washington has been pushing for negotiations with Tehran, disagreements remain over key issues, including Iran’s demand that Lebanon be included in any broader ceasefire arrangement.
Israeli forces later carried out additional strikes in Iran, targeting military-related sites and infrastructure, prompting further missile launches from Tehran.
The Houthis also claimed responsibility for an attack on military targets in Tel Aviv on Monday. However, the Israeli military said the projectile was intercepted before reaching its target.
While Trump has publicly called on both sides to halt hostilities, Israeli officials have maintained a hardline stance, insisting they will continue operations against groups they consider threats to national security.
The renewed threat to shipping lanes has heightened concerns among global markets already grappling with uncertainty over energy supplies and trade routes in the Middle East.
