Rubio Accuses Iran of Flying IRGC Personnel Into Yemen as Houthi Threats Jeopardize 12% of Trade
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 22
Rubio Accuses Iran of Flying IRGC Personnel Into Yemen as Houthi Threats Jeopardize 12% of Trade
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 22
Summary
Marco Rubio said Iran sent direct flights from Tehran into Yemen carrying IRGC personnel, alleging the move helped trigger a renewed Saudi-Houthi confrontation.
Bab el-Mandeb now faces disruption because the Houthis have declared a blockade on Saudi-linked vessels, threatening a route that carries about 12% of global trade and roughly one-quarter of container traffic.
Rubio offered no evidence or flight details, but said U.S. officials had spoken repeatedly with Saudi counterparts over the past week as Riyadh vowed to keep the strait open.
Six vessels reportedly altered course after Houthi warnings, according to the rebels' SABA agency, while Trump said Tuesday the latest threat had not yet materialized.
The accusation came during an 11th straight night of U.S. strikes on Iran, underscoring fears that pressure on Red Sea shipping could compound disruptions already hitting the Strait of Hormuz.
Did targeting Iran's leaders inadvertently unleash more chaotic and unpredictable proxy forces across the Middle East?
With two vital shipping arteries now choked, is a global economic collapse the inevitable next step?
Red Sea on the Brink: The 2026 Houthi Blockade, Iran-US Conflict, and the Global Energy Crisis
Overview
In July 2026, regional tensions surged as the Houthis accused Saudi leaders of enforcing a 12-year blockade on their ports and airports, prompting mass rallies in Sanaa. This immediate crisis centers on the Houthi response, with their blockade threatening to destabilize vital maritime routes like the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The situation is further complicated by the broader conflict between the United States and Iran, intensifying instability across the region. These interconnected events highlight how local grievances and power struggles can quickly escalate, risking global economic disruption and challenging efforts to maintain security and stability.