Saudi Arabia Urges US to Lift Blockade of Iranian Ports in Strait of Hormuz
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) reportedly urged the United States to lift the blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. A Telegraph report on April 15, 2026 stated that Riyadh fears Iran could retaliate by blocking the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea through its Houthi allies in Yemen, which could disrupt Saudi oil exports.
This shift in Saudi Arabia's stance comes amid growing regional anxiety regarding US policies in the Middle East. Although previously supportive of a hardline approach toward Iran, Riyadh is now considering geographical risks, as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has forced the kingdom to reroute oil exports to the Red Sea via an east-west pipeline.
Saudi Arabia's economic resilience, with oil exports nearing 7 million barrels per day, could be threatened if the Houthis resume attacks on ships in the Red Sea or seize control of Bab al-Mandeb. Analysts say the Houthi group still possesses disruptive capabilities despite its diminished combat power. Gulf diplomats predict Saudi policy toward Iran will shift toward caution, given the overly high risk of a dual blockade.
https://www.gelora.co/2026/04/