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Market Chatter: Houthis Warn All Ships Against Calling at Saudi Ports

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Yemen's Houthi rebels warned shipowners against calling at Saudi Arabian ports, according to a Bloomberg report on Tuesday citing an email sent to shipping companies.

In a move that could put the country's millions of barrels of oil exports at risk, the message targets all vessels traveling to and from Saudi ports, not just Saudi-flagged ships.

The warning comes amid ongoing conflict between the US and Iran, which has already disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and intensified supply concerns.

In their email, the Houthis said shipping companies should exercise due diligence and utmost care in all dealings, "and ensure that no vessel voyages are conducted to or from Saudi ports." The Houthis also warned that any vessel that chooses to violate this would be subject to "sanctions" and attacks by the Yemeni Armed Forces.

Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen on Monday said that it had begun implementing measures to protect ships passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy did not immediately respond to' request for a comment.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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