President Donald Trump warned Tuesday that the United States would “take care of things” if the Houthis move to impose a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, after the Iran-aligned militia publicly threatened to close key maritime approaches and Saudi forces struck Sanaa International Airport.
The statement from the president, delivered publicly from the Oval Office, came as U.S. and regional officials weighed how to protect commercial shipping through the Red Sea and nearby choke points.
Houthis blockade claim and Trump’s warning
The Houthis announced they could impose a naval blockade that would affect traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key route connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. “So far, it hasn’t happened, might happen, but we take care of things,” Trump said, signaling readiness to back measures to keep sea lanes open.
Analysts say the public warning is intended to deter an immediate closure and reassure partners that Washington will support efforts to protect commercial maritime traffic.
Reported Iran ties and the Mahan Air diversion
U.S. reporting has linked Tehran to the recent Houthi posture. Axios reported that Iran instructed the Houthis to prepare to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if the U.S. attacked Iranian power infrastructure, a claim attributed to intelligence and diplomatic sources (reported by Axios).
Axios also reported that U.S. officials believe a diverted Mahan Air flight was carrying weapons, missile components and Iranian military personnel bound for Yemen, an alleged air bridge that would ease transfers to Houthi-controlled areas (reported by Axios). Those characterizations were attributed to sources and have not been independently confirmed in this piece.
Experts quoted in reporting warned that even limited, clandestine air links could materially increase the Houthis’ ability to target ships or regional infrastructure. A research analyst cited in the coverage said such transfers would make it easier to move materiel and advisers into Yemen and complicate defensive planning.
How a blockade would hit global shipping and energy
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is one of the world’s busiest choke points for maritime trade. Nearly 15% of global seaborne trade passes through the corridor each year, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration data cited in reporting.
Together with the Strait of Hormuz, which handles a substantial share of Persian Gulf oil exports, these waterways normally move roughly one-third of global seaborne oil trade. Simultaneous or cascading disruptions in both regions would pose acute risks to energy markets and shipping costs.
Since late 2023 the Houthis have carried out more than 190 attacks on commercial shipping, according to reporting. Those attacks have already prompted many major carriers to avoid the Red Sea route and re-route vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing voyage time, fuel use and insurance costs for shippers.
One maritime analyst noted the group’s geography gives it leverage: controlling access at Bab el-Mandeb allows the Houthis to exert pressure on international commerce without engaging in full state-to-state warfare, raising the economic stakes for companies and governments alike.
Recent strikes and regional escalation
Saudi forces struck Sanaa International Airport this week in what Riyadh described as an effort to prevent an air bridge that would ease Iranian transfers to Houthi areas. Fox News Digital reported on the strikes and related regional developments (reported by Fox News Digital).
Reporting indicates Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sought U.S. approval before the most recent strikes; that coordination was described in coverage as part of a broader pattern of consultation between Riyadh and Washington (reported by Axios and Fox News Digital).
Officials framed the Saudi action as a “measured escalation” aimed at blocking normalization of direct Tehran-Sanaa flights. Observers say the steps reflect a mix of deterrence and denial tactics intended to prevent a permanent air or sea supply line to the Houthis.
By the numbers
– Nearly 15% of global seaborne trade passes through the Bab el-Mandeb each year (U.S. EIA data cited in reporting).
– Together the Bab el-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz normally carry roughly one-third of global seaborne oil trade (U.S. EIA data cited in reporting).
– The Houthis have carried out more than 190 attacks on commercial shipping since late 2023, according to reporting (reported by multiple outlets).
What comes next for the Red Sea and U.S. policy
Officials expect a period of heightened patrols, convoy protections and surveillance to protect commercial traffic. The White House’s public backing of Saudi action and President Trump’s warning suggest continued U.S. support for efforts to secure maritime routes while seeking to avoid rapid escalation.
Short-term indicators to watch include the resumption or expansion of Houthi strikes on shipping, further rerouting by major carriers, and any new credible reports of direct Iranian transfers to Yemen. A measured approach by U.S. forces and partners would aim to deter attacks while limiting the risk of a wider regional conflict.
Frequently asked questions
What happened with Houthis?
The Houthis announced a potential naval blockade of approaches near Bab el-Mandeb. President Trump warned the U.S. would “take care of things” if the blockade were imposed. Reporting links the move to recent Saudi strikes and alleged Iranian instruction (reported by Axios and Fox News Digital).
Why does Houthis matter?
The Houthis control territory adjacent to strategic maritime choke points. Their capacity to target commercial vessels in the Red Sea can disrupt global trade routes and energy shipments, increasing costs and supply-chain risk for businesses and nations.
What happens next?
Expect increased naval patrols, diplomatic engagement and monitoring of shipping routes. Policymakers are likely to stress deterrence and protection of commercial traffic while trying to avoid a broader regional war.
Sources: Reporting by Fox News Digital and additional reporting by Axios. For the Fox News story, see: Fox News – Trump warns Houthis after shipping blockade threat. For Axios reporting, see: Axios.
