Houthis announce Red Sea blockade as US and Iran escalate military strikes

Yemen's Houthi movement has announced a blockade of the Red Sea, banning all Israeli ships from passing through. The Houthis said Israeli vessels are now "legitimate military targets." Iranian officials had asked the Houthis to close the Red Sea if the US attacked Iran's energy sites. The US then carried out several nights of strikes on Iranian locations, including Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island. Iran also attacked targets in the region, and Qatar complained to the UN about Iranian strikes on its territory. The Strait of Hormuz closed after the fighting but is slowly reopening as part of a ceasefire deal. Saudi Arabia sends 70 percent of its energy exports through the Red Sea, so a blockade could seriously damage global trade.