Red Sea Shipping Risks Surge Following Houthi Blockade Declaration
International shipping analysts warned of a sharp increase in maritime security risks on June 18, 2026, following a Houthi declaration of a total blockade on Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea. The Yemeni group announced that all movements by "enemy" ships are considered legitimate targets. Despite a fragile US-Iran understanding, reports of small vessel harassment near the Bab al-Mandab Strait have surfaced, prompting major shipping firms to continue rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope.