Saudi Arabia urges the United States to lift the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz

Saudi Arabia is pressuring the United States to lift its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and return to the negotiating table. Saudi Arabia fears that President Trump's move to block the strait could lead to retaliatory action from Iran, potentially resulting in the closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a key passage in the Red Sea and crucial for Saudi Arabia's approximately 7 million barrels of oil exports per day. Previously, Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz disrupted approximately 13 million barrels of oil exports per day, pushing oil prices above $100. Trump imposed a blockade on Iranian ports on Monday. Arab officials say Iran is pressuring the Houthi rebels in Yemen to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Saudi energy officials say Saudi Arabia had previously received assurances from the Houthis that they would not attack its ships, but the situation remains uncertain. (WSJ)