Saudi, Egypt demand open Red Sea, as Riyadh vows to hit back against Houthis

Key Points:

• Saudi Arabia and Egypt's leaders jointly called for free and secure navigation in the Red Sea amid renewed Houthi control of Yemen's southern Red Sea coast and Bab al-Mandab Strait, vital for Saudi crude exports and global shipping.
• The Houthis intensified their offensive last week, seizing critical maritime areas and imposing a blockade on Riyadh, prompting Saudi Arabia to vow firm military responses and seek international support, though a US intervention request was reportedly declined.
• Houthi attacks have escalated, including missile and drone strikes on Saudi territory that have wounded civilians and targeted oil infrastructure, contributing to rising global oil prices above $100 per barrel.
• The renewed Yemen conflict has triggered a worsening humanitarian crisis, displacing over 100,000 people internally and forcing thousands to flee abroad, while UN and international actors express concern over the regional stability and shipping disruptions.
• Diplomatic efforts remain stalled, with Iran and Gulf states postponing talks on the Strait of Hormuz amid mutual distrust, while the Houthis pledge to continue escalating their response as long as Saudi aggression persists.