Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have fired a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel, marking their first major strike since the escalation of US-Israel operations against Tehran. Israel confirmed intercepting one projectile. The group vows continued attacks until aggression against its allies ceases.
This intervention heightens fears of disruption to global trade. The Houthis control Yemen's Red Sea coastline and previously targeted nearly 200 ships, forcing major logistics firms to reroute around Africa. They threaten further action if the Red Sea is used against Iran.
Economic stability hangs on the Strait of Hormuz, where 20% of global oil passes. President Donald Trump warned Tehran to reopen the waterway by April 6 or face consequences, though he recently postponed strikes on Iranian power plants. Closure risks skyrocketing energy prices and severe economic contraction.
While Israel has successfully intercepted past Houthi threats due to distance, the strategic chokepoint remains a critical vulnerability for international commerce and security.