CAIRO (AP) - A missile attack on Israel by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen occurred on Saturday, raising significant concerns regarding Tehran's potential strategy to disrupt shipping routes in the Red Sea. This development comes as Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz continues to hinder another crucial global trade passage.
The Houthis declared that they fired missiles aimed at "sensitive Israeli military sites" in southern Israel. This marks their first military action since the outbreak of the ongoing war in the Middle East a month ago. The Israeli military reported that it successfully intercepted one missile launched from Yemen.
The Houthis, a key ally of Iran, form part of the so-called "Axis of Resistance," which also includes militant factions in Lebanon, Iraq, and the Palestinian territories. They have maintained control over Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and much of the northern region, engaging in a civil war against the internationally recognized government supported by a Saudi-led coalition since 2014. Notably, the Houthis had refrained from launching attacks for a month, even as the U.S. and Israel began military operations against Iran on February 28, 2026.
The recent missile attack has heightened fears that the Houthis might resume targeting shipping in the Red Sea, an action that could exacerbate global economic disruptions. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has already caused instability in oil markets and affected energy prices worldwide. The Houthis possess the capability to strike oil facilities in the Persian Gulf, as evidenced during earlier phases of the Yemen civil war.
Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a military spokesperson for the Houthis, emphasized their readiness to confront U.S. and Israeli actions in the Red Sea, stating, "Our fingers are on the trigger." According to Ahmed Nagi, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, attacks on vessels could result in a significant rise in oil prices and undermine comprehensive maritime security, thereby impacting sectors beyond the energy market.
In light of the closed Strait of Hormuz, Saudi Arabia has been transporting millions of barrels of crude oil daily through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, located at the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula. This 32-kilometer-wide strait is vital for the global oil trade, with approximately a quarter of global container trade passing through it en route to and from the Suez Canal. Disruption in this transit would force shipping companies to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, significantly increasing operational costs.
Typically, about 12% of the world’s trade, including oil, natural gas, grain, and various consumer goods, flows through the Suez Canal. Ahmed Nagi warned that continued pressure on Iran or any escalation in military activities could prompt the Houthis to intensify their involvement in the war.
The Red Sea serves as a critical pathway for energy supplies to the 27-nation European Union, which relies heavily on imported natural gas to operate factories, generate electricity, and heat residences. Tankers transporting liquefied natural gas frequently navigate through the Red Sea.
Between November 2023 and January 2025, the Houthis engaged in over 100 attacks on merchant vessels, using missiles and drones, resulting in the sinking of two ships and the death of four sailors. These assaults were framed as support for Hamas amid the Gaza conflict. In response, the U.S. and Israel initiated an aggressive air campaign against Houthi positions, leading to significant casualties, including members of the Houthi-aligned cabinet in Sanaa. Eventually, President Donald Trump ordered the cessation of U.S. airstrikes against the Houthis after a deal was struck that halted their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.
___
Samy Magdy, The Associated Press
