15 martyred in terror attack on joint security Che…

A new threat by Yemen’s Houthi movement to impose a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia has raised concerns about global energy supplies as tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate. The announcement comes at a time when shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has already been disrupted, increasing fears that two of the region’s most important oil routes could be affected at the same time. The Iran aligned Houthi group said it plans to target Saudi Arabia through a blockade in the Red Sea. While the group has not explained how it intends to enforce the measure, the warning has intensified concerns over the security of international shipping and energy exports. The Bab el Mandeb Strait at the southern entrance to the Red Sea is one of the world’s most important maritime routes. It connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and serves as a key passage for oil shipments travelling between the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Since disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, Saudi Arabia has redirected much of its crude oil exports to its Red Sea port of Yanbu. From there, shipments bound for Europe pass through the Suez Canal, while cargo heading to Asian markets travels south through the Bab el Mandeb Strait. Industry data shows that oil exports from Yanbu have increased sharply over the past year, making the Red Sea an increasingly vital route for global energy markets. Millions of barrels of petroleum now pass through the Bab el Mandeb every day, helping to stabilise international oil supplies despite ongoing tensions elsewhere in the region. Analysts warn that any serious disruption in the Red Sea could significantly affect global energy prices by restricting another major export route from the Gulf. Saudi Arabia is reportedly considering expanding its pipeline network to the Red Sea coast to reduce dependence on vulnerable sea lanes. The Houthis have been involved in conflict with Yemen’s internationally recognised government for more than a decade and have previously launched missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia. Although a truce reached in 2022 reduced fighting, tensions have risen again following recent military strikes around Sanaa. The latest escalation began after Yemen’s recognised government said it had targeted Sanaa airport to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing. The Houthis blamed Saudi Arabia for the attack and responded by firing missiles towards Abha airport in southern Saudi Arabia. A senior Houthi official later warned that continued escalation could lead to the closure of the Bab el Mandeb Strait. Although the Houthis maintain that they make their own military decisions, the United States has long accused Iran of supplying the group with weapons, funding and training. The Houthis reject claims that they act as an Iranian proxy. The movement previously disrupted international shipping after the outbreak of the Gaza war in late 2023. It launched attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, saying the operations were intended to support Palestinians. Those attacks forced many major shipping companies to reroute vessels around southern Africa, increasing transport costs and delaying deliveries worldwide. Although Red Sea traffic had begun recovering after attacks eased, shipping through the Suez Canal remains well below previous levels. The latest Houthi threat has renewed fears that instability could once again disrupt one of the world’s busiest trade routes. During the recent conflict involving Iran, the Houthis played a more limited military role than other armed groups aligned with Tehran. However, their latest announcement suggests they may now be prepared to increase pressure on regional rivals, raising fresh concerns over the security of global energy supplies and international trade.

Iran is expected to receive a shipment of Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defence systems within weeks, according to sources familiar with the reported agreement. The deal involves between 300 and 400 man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS). The systems reportedly include China’s QW-12 and FN-16 missiles. The agreement is estimated to be worth between $60 million and $70 million. If completed, it would represent one of Iran’s most significant known efforts to strengthen its short-range air-defence capabilities since the country’s recent conflict with the United States and Israel. Three sources familiar with the agreement told Reuters that the deal has already been signed. They spoke anonymously because of the sensitivity of the reported military arrangement. The agreement was reportedly made through Zhongqing Baoshang International Investment, a Hong Kong-based company described by the sources as an intermediary between Iranian interests and the Chinese supplier. Iran has been seeking to rebuild and strengthen its military capabilities after months of fighting. During the conflict, US and Israeli strikes reportedly targeted facilities associated with Iran’s missile, drone and air-defence programmes. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks. The fighting also exposed difficulties in protecting fixed military installations and strategic infrastructure from advanced aircraft and precision-guided weapons. The reported acquisition of hundreds of MANPADS could provide Iran with a more mobile layer of defence. Unlike large fixed air-defence systems, portable systems can be operated by small teams and moved quickly between locations. The QW-12 and FN-16 are shoulder-fired, infrared-guided surface-to-air missile systems. They are designed to engage low-flying targets, including aircraft, helicopters and drones. Their mobility could allow Iranian forces to deploy them around military facilities, energy infrastructure and other sensitive locations. Defence analysts consider the QW-12 less advanced than some newer Chinese systems. However, they say such weapons can still offer useful short-range protection against drones and low-flying aircraft. The reported delivery route has also drawn attention. According to the sources, the initial shipments are expected to travel by air from Urumqi in western China before passing through Pakistan and reaching Iran. The sources did not clarify whether the equipment would subsequently be transported into Iran by road or by air. Pakistan has rejected any suggestion that it is involved in supplying Chinese air-defence weapons to Iran. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) described reports of Pakistan’s involvement in the transfer as false and fabricated. A Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment. China has also denied the reported deal. Its Foreign Ministry described the reports as groundless and said Beijing’s position has consistently focused on promoting peace and ending conflict. Iran’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the reported agreement. The sources also cautioned that the reported deal could still change. Delivery schedules, quantities and other implementation arrangements may be altered before the weapons reach Iran. Security officials and defence experts have indicated that Iran has been exploring different options to acquire Chinese military equipment. A European security source said authorities were aware of several proposed contracts involving QW-series MANPADS. These reportedly included the QW-12, QW-18 and QW-19 systems. A separate Middle Eastern security source said Iran had sought QW-12 and QW-18 missiles but was not aware of a completed agreement. Iran has invested heavily in domestic missiles, drones and radar systems over the past two decades. However, international sanctions and restrictions have continued to limit its access to foreign defence equipment. The reported purchase highlights Tehran’s continued effort to combine domestic weapons production with foreign military supplies. Two Western intelligence sources and an Iranian official also said Iran had explored land routes for transporting Chinese military equipment and dual-use components. Such routes could potentially provide a more discreet method of moving sensitive supplies and reduce the risk of disruption. The reported agreement comes as military ties between China and Iran appear to be attracting greater attention. A separate agreement involving Chinese anti-ship cruise missiles was also reportedly under discussion. However, it remains unclear whether that deal was ultimately completed.