Four crude tankers alter courses amid warnings from the EU naval force, raising risks for Saudi oil exports via the Red Sea.
Four oil tankers have diverted from the Red Sea after reports of heightened threats from Houthi forces, according to ship-tracking data. Two of the vessels now list the Suez Canal as their next destination, signaling attempts to avoid conflict zones near the Bab el-Mandab strait.
The disruptions primarily target Saudi crude, particularly shipments bound for the Jeddah port. A vessel in the Gulf of Aden also reversed course after initially signaling Jeddah as its destination, underscoring growing risks for Red Sea transit.
The EU naval force issued a warning advising ships with U.S., Israeli, or Saudi links to avoid the region, citing elevated attack risks from Houthi forces. The developments follow reports that Iran has urged Houthis to block Red Sea oil routes if U.S. strikes target Iranian infrastructure.