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Houthis Impose Saudi Maritime Embargo, Spare Chinese Ships

7/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Houthis are weighing fees on commercial ships transiting the Bab el-Mandeb gateway.
On July 20 the Houthis declared a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia and said Chinese vessels will be exempt, prompting direct talks with China to protect its tankers.
Iranian advisers traveled with Houthi officials from Tehran to help set up a fee-regulation authority, while Afrah al-Zouba said the group will try to charge ships.

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Story summary

The Houthis are weighing fees on commercial ships transiting the Bab el-Mandeb gateway.
On July 20 the Houthis declared a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia and said Chinese vessels will be exempt, prompting direct talks with China to protect its tankers.
Iranian advisers traveled with Houthi officials from Tehran to help set up a fee-regulation authority, while Afrah al-Zouba said the group will try to charge ships.