Houthis Weigh Fees on Red Sea Shipping

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement is contemplating a levy on commercial ships passing through the southern Red Sea, Reuters reported. The potential fees follow a recent declaration of a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, escalating tensions in a key global trade artery.

The Red Sea is a vital corridor for oil tankers and cargo vessels linking Europe to Asia. Any new fees could raise shipping costs and add to disruption already caused by regional instability.

The Houthis have intensified their maritime actions amid the broader Yemen conflict, which has drawn in international powers. No details on the fee structure or timing were immediately available.