Houthi Threats Force Four More Oil Tankers to Divert from Red Sea

Four more oil tankers have changed direction on the Red Sea after Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen warned ships not to use the southern route, escalating fears over global oil supplies. The diversions come as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is not serious about peace talks, while Pakistan, which has been mediating, criticized the disruption to a second key energy route.

The Houthis warned they could target Saudi oil shipments heading south toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, passing areas they control. This adds to Iran’s near-total blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, further straining global oil markets. Oil prices jumped to nearly a six-week high on July 22, with Brent crude rising 2.45 percent to $93.24 per barrel, after earlier reaching $95.47.

In the United States, gasoline prices have climbed back above $4 per gallon, affecting President Donald Trump’s popularity ahead of the November midterm elections. Trump said on social media that the U.S. would respond strongly if Iran attacked ships in the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to destroy key infrastructure in Iran.

Iran’s Army Commander-in-Chief, Major General Amir Hatami, said the country had strengthened its military expecting opponents to break agreements. Mediators have proposed a 10-day ceasefire plan, but analysts say the Houthis’ new threat is likely a strategic move by Iran to gain leverage in negotiations. Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni visited Pakistan this week, asking the country to continue its role as mediator.

Article source: iranherald.com | Image credit: Union Leader