Saudi Arabia is urging the US to lift the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi Arabia Pressures US to Lift Strait of Hormuz Blockade, Fearing Iran Could Shut Bab el-Mandeb

Saudi Arabia is pressing the US to abandon its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and return to the negotiating table. Riyadh fears President Trump's move could provoke Iranian retaliation—specifically, the closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical Red Sea chokepoint for Saudi oil exports, which average about 7 million barrels per day.

Iran had already disrupted roughly 13 million barrels per day of oil shipments by attacking vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, pushing prices above $100 a barrel. Trump imposed a blockade on Iranian ports on Monday. Arab officials say Iran is now pressuring Yemen's Houthi rebels to shut the Bab el-Mandeb. Saudi energy officials said the kingdom previously had assurances from the Houthis that they would not attack its ships, but the situation remains uncertain.