Houthis Escalate Saudi Attacks as Red Sea Oil Risks Grow

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia while expanding positions along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, raising fears that the widening Middle East conflict could further disrupt global oil supplies.

The Houthis said they launched dozens of missiles and drones at the Khamis Mushait military airbase in southern Saudi Arabia on Monday, targeting runways, radar systems, aircraft hangars and ammunition facilities. Saudi-led coalition officials said 13 civilians were wounded, while emergency alerts were issued across several southern cities.

The escalation follows recent Houthi territorial gains, including the capture of Perim Island near the entrance to the Red Sea. The advances are adding pressure on Saudi oil exports after an aerial attack last Thursday disabled the kingdom’s 1,200-kilometer east-west oil pipeline, which connects Gulf production facilities with the Red Sea.

Saudi Arabia blamed Iranian-backed militias in Iraq for the pipeline strike. Traders warned that an extended shutdown could remove as much as 4% of global oil supply while the Strait of Hormuz remains largely blocked. Oil prices jumped more than 4% Monday before closing roughly 1% higher.

Saudi and Yemeni forces have increased airstrikes against Houthi positions, including around the strategic port of Mocha. However, Yemeni officials said the Houthis retain effective control over nearly the entire western coastline.

The United States has reportedly resisted Saudi requests for direct military intervention beyond intelligence assistance. President Donald Trump said he had spoken with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while Saudi media reported the crown prince met U.S. regional commander Admiral Brad Cooper on Monday.

Diplomatic prospects also weakened after Oman postponed planned talks involving Iran and Gulf Arab states over reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a route that carried about 20% of global oil exports before the war.

Shipping risks remain elevated after conflicting accounts emerged over damage to the Panamanian-flagged tanker El Gaia. Iran blamed sea mines, while U.S. Central Command said the vessel had previously been struck by an Iranian missile. The International Maritime Organization said the tanker was damaged Saturday and two seafarers were missing.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and under its control.