Conflict & Security
Yemeni official says Houthis want to copy Iran in Hormuz after declaring Saudi maritime blockade
Yemen's foreign minister designate Afrah al-Zouba said on July 27 that Houthi rebels want to "copy" Iran's moves in the Strait of Hormuz, after the group announced a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia.
Speaking to reporters, al-Zouba said Yemen was worried that the Houthis were trying to emulate Iranian attempts to control Hormuz. She said the rebels were "in harmony" with Iranian escalation in the region.
The comments add to tensions around Red Sea shipping and the Saudi-led coalition's confrontation with the Houthis. Saudi-led coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki has said on X that Houthi forces targeted commercial ships in the Red Sea.
Maliki said the coalition carried out what it described as a response against Houthi military sites used to threaten Red Sea shipping. Earlier Saudi media reports said the coalition targeted Houthi military sites in Yemen's Hodeida governorate and destroyed targets linked to threats to commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
Update
Yemen's foreign minister designate was identified as Afrah al-Zouba.
Al-Zouba said the Houthis want to copy what she described as Iran's experience in the Strait of Hormuz.
Al-Zouba said the Houthis were in harmony with Iranian escalation in the region.
The comments came after the Houthis announced a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia.
Source note: AFP news report published on 27 July 2026 at 20:51:03 UTC.
Update
A Yemeni official said the Houthis want to copy Iranian moves in Hormuz.
Source note: AFP news report published on 27 July 2026 at 20:43:21 UTC.
Update
Foreign minister designate Afrah al-Zouba made the statement.
The source says the statement came after the Houthis launched strikes on Saudi Arabia.
Al-Zouba said Yemen's internationally recognised government was prepared for any escalations.
Source note: AFP news report published on 27 July 2026 at 20:42:46 UTC.
Update
A Yemeni official said: “We are prepared for any escalations” after Houthi attacks.
Source note: AFP news report published on 27 July 2026 at 20:35:08 UTC.
Update
Coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said the Houthis had targeted commercial ships in the Red Sea.
Al-Maliki said the coalition carried out a response against Houthi military sites used to threaten Red Sea shipping.
Al-Maliki said the military response is now over.
Source note: AFP news report published on 24 July 2026 at 21:35:05 UTC.
Update
The Saudi-led coalition said it responded after Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping.
Source note: AFP news report published on 24 July 2026 at 21:27:15 UTC.
Update
Al Arabiya said the targeted Houthi military sites were in Hodeida governorate.
Al Arabiya said the destroyed targets were linked to threats to commercial ships in the Red Sea.
Al Arabiya said Hodeida port had not been targeted and remained open to navigation.
The source said the conflict flared after the rebels announced a maritime blockade.
Source note: AFP news report published on 24 July 2026 at 21:10:18 UTC.
Uncertainty notes
The supplied material does not independently establish Houthi intent, Iranian coordination, or the operational effect of the announced maritime blockade.
Details of how the announced blockade would be enforced are not specified.
Source
AFP news report published on .