Tankers With Saudi Crude Turn Back After Houthis Open New Front in US-Iran War

Tankers carrying Saudi crude reportedly turned back in the Red Sea after Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. Maritime reporting said two vessels bound for Asia reversed course and headed away from the Bab al-Mandeb gateway, with some data showing diversions toward the Suez route. The move follows broader escalation in the US-Iran conflict, adding uncertainty for global energy flows as insurance and transit-risk costs rise. Saudi-led responses were also described as ongoing, while analysts warned further rerouting could tighten supply and raise freight prices.