Houthi Blockade on Saudi Arabia Disrupts Red Sea Shipping and Raises Insurance Costs

Yemen's Houthis declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia on July 20, 2026. Within days, ships bound for Saudi ports turned around in the Red Sea, Windward documented diversions, and war risk insurance premiums rose, per Reuters sources. Saudi Arabia condemned the blockade; the coalition called it a violation of international law. The Houthis claim retaliation for a Saudi blockade on Yemen. On July 22 they claimed attacks on two Saudi ships.