The conflict in West Asia has increased risks around important sea routes such as the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Strait of Hormuz. Houthi attacks using missiles and drones have increased security concerns in Saudi Arabia and around the Red Sea.

Why in the News?

  • 15 September 2026: Saudi Arabia warned of a firm response after Houthi attacks using ballistic missiles and drones injured 13 civilians in southern Saudi Arabia.

  • The escalation has increased concerns over the security of the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, particularly as the wider United States–Iran conflict continues to affect the Strait of Hormuz.

Houthi Attacks and Red Sea Security

  • Houthis: Iran-aligned rebel group operating in Yemen.
  • Renewed fighting: Conflict with Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces intensified from July 2026.
  • Maritime blockade: Houthis began targeting Saudi-linked shipping in the Red Sea.
  • Territorial control: The group reportedly seized parts of Yemen’s Red Sea coast and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
  • Recent attacks: Ballistic missiles and drones targeted Saudi Arabia, causing civilian casualties.

Bab el-Mandeb Strait

  • Location: Connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
  • Strategic importance:
    • Major route for international shipping.
    • Important for oil and commercial trade between the Indian Ocean and Europe.
    • Instability can increase shipping costs, insurance premiums and delivery times.
  • The renewed Houthi activity has therefore raised wider concerns over global maritime trade.

Impact on Saudi Arabia

  • Saudi Civil Defence issued emergency alerts for several cities, including:
    • Yanbu
    • Jeddah
    • Mecca
    • Taif
    • Abha
    • Jazan
  • Yanbu is particularly important because it is a major Red Sea oil-export port.
  • Egypt expressed support for Saudi security measures and stressed the need to maintain freedom and security of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb.

Strait of Hormuz: Parallel Risk

  • Escalation in West Asia has also reduced shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Commodity vessel transits fell sharply, increasing concerns over disruption to global energy supplies.
  • Any prolonged disruption can affect:
    • Crude oil prices
    • Shipping costs
    • Energy-importing economies
    • Global inflation

Impact on Global Oil Markets

  • Attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure have raised concerns over oil supply disruptions.
  • Brent crude crossed $107 per barrel on 15 September 2026 amid renewed supply fears.
  • A prolonged conflict could therefore create a combination of:
    • Supply disruption
    • Higher energy prices
    • Greater market volatility
    • Inflationary pressure

U.S. Military Pressure

  • The United States has reported a shortfall in ammunition resulting from its military campaign against Iran.
  • Operation Epic Fury (OEF) incurred an estimated $33.4 billion cost between 28 February and 30 June 2026.
  • About $22.3 billion was spent on expended munitions.
  • The U.S. Department of Defence identified:
    • Strategic inventory shortfalls.
    • Bottlenecks in the defence-industrial base.
    • Need to accelerate procurement and production.

Wider Regional Consequences

  • Iraq: United States military withdrawal is underway, while Iranian-backed militias have resisted demands to surrender their weapons.
  • Türkiye: Called for an immediate halt to reciprocal attacks and restoration of freedom of passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Egypt: Emphasised secure navigation through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb.
  • Saudi Arabia: Faces simultaneous security risks from missile/drone attacks and disruption to energy infrastructure.

Strategic Significance

  • Maritime security: Threats to Bab el-Mandeb and Hormuz can disrupt major international shipping routes.
  • Energy security: Saudi infrastructure and Gulf shipping are critical to global oil supplies.
  • Global economy: Higher oil and freight costs can generate inflationary pressures.
  • Regional stability: Conflict risks spreading through Iran-aligned armed groups in Yemen and Iraq.
  • Geopolitical competition: The conflict involves overlapping interests of the United States, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Israel and other regional powers.

India: Key Implications

  • Energy security: India is heavily dependent on imported crude oil; prolonged price increases can widen the import burden.
  • Shipping: Disruption of Red Sea and Gulf routes can increase freight costs and affect trade.
  • Inflation: Higher crude prices can transmit into transport, manufacturing and consumer prices.
  • Indian diaspora: Escalation in the Gulf can create risks for Indian citizens working in the region.
  • Strategic interests: India must balance relations with Gulf countries, Iran, Israel and the United States.

Conclusion

The conflict in West Asia has increased risks around important sea routes such as the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz. Houthi attacks using missiles and drones have increased security concerns in Saudi Arabia and around the Red Sea. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is an important route for global trade and energy supplies. At the same time, lower shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has created concerns about global oil supplies. Any long disruption can increase oil prices, shipping costs and inflation. It can also affect countries that depend heavily on imported oil. For India, the main concerns are higher crude oil costs, increased shipping expenses, inflation and the safety of Indians living and working in the Gulf region. India also needs to maintain good relations with Gulf countries, Iran, Israel and the United States while protecting its energy and strategic interests