Houthis Threaten Saudi Blockade; Oil Could Hit $100

Asia’s oil buyers face a new threat after Houthi militants warned of a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. The Iran-aligned group’s threat targets the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key maritime chokepoint for oil shipments. This comes as the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted by the US-Iran conflict. Analysts say a serious disruption in Bab el-Mandeb would leave Asia with few alternatives for Middle Eastern crude. Saudi shipments would be at risk, and oil prices could rise above $100 per barrel.