Houthis Declare War: Missile Strike on Israel Threatens Global Oil Shock
Фото: Reuters
Yemen’s Houthis have declared war following a missile strike on Israel, opening a new front in the escalating regional conflict and raising fresh risks for global oil markets and the security of critical shipping routes.
This is reported by Bloomberg.
According to the agency, on Saturday morning, the Houthis launched a ballistic missile at Israel, which was confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces, but information about its interception was not specified.
The Iranian-backed group has announced its intention to continue operations until the US and Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic and its affiliated groups cease.
This move is expected to create additional tension in global oil markets, as the Houthis can influence strategic sea routes.
The group had previously blocked shipping traffic in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait after the start of the Gaza war in 2023, forcing shipping companies to change routes.
Eurasia Group analysts note that for now, the Houthis may refrain from attacking Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure.
“The Houthis need to demonstrate their participation in the war, but they are interested in minimizing the risks of escalation and maintaining a tacit understanding with Riyadh,” said Eurasia Group analysts led by Firas Maksad.
At the same time, experts admit that with further escalation, the group may expand its actions, in particular against energy facilities. Amid the escalation of the conflict, Iran announced retaliatory strikes on Israel and the Persian Gulf countries after attacks on its facilities.
In particular, there are reports of fires at an industrial facility in Abu Dhabi, damage to infrastructure, and attacks on military facilities and airports in the region.
According to sources, at least 15 American service members were injured in strikes on an airbase in Saudi Arabia. In addition, Iran reportedly used ballistic missiles and drones to attack a number of sites, and one person was killed in an Israeli strike.
The conflict continues with no signs of a quick end, and the parties are making mutual demands regarding the terms of possible negotiations.
“They’re negotiating now; they want a deal,” said US President Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, Iran has rejected the proposed settlement plan and is insisting on its own terms, including security guarantees and compensation. Against this backdrop, oil prices are rising, and risks to the global economy and energy supplies remain high.
By the way, Iran rejected a United States proposal with potential conditions to end the war in the Middle East.
Earlier, Trump said that the US and Iran had held talks, following which he ordered a five-day halt to strikes. Later, the Iranian Foreign Ministry reported that there had been no direct talks with the US and that Trump had not abandoned his military plans.
As a reminder, on February 28, the United States launched a military campaign in Iran. As US Vice President J.D. Vance said, the main goal of the United States in relation to Iran is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
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