Donald Trump warns that the United States will take action if the Houthis block the Red Sea

Saudi Arabia, an ally of Washington, condemned this Monday the announcement by the Houthi rebels, promising to take “all necessary measures” to protect their ships.

This escalation represents the most serious direct confrontation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis since both sides began a UN-backed rapprochement process in 2022, which dramatically reduced cross-border attacks, although a comprehensive peace agreement has never been reached.

Tensions have risen in recent weeks after the Houthis accused the Gulf country of tightening restrictions in areas under their control and blamed Riyadh for the airstrikes that damaged the runways of Sana’a airport last week to prevent the landing of an Iranian plane.