20/07/2026 16:11 - Internacionales
The situation in the Middle East is becoming increasingly complex. According to international reports from sources like Infobae and La Nación, on July 20, 2026, Yemen's Houthi rebels announced the imposition of a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia.
The measure, based on an 'eye for an eye' principle, responds to what the Houthis called an 'unjust siege' by the Saudis and an attack by the internationally recognized Yemeni government that occurred on July 13, 2026 against Sanaa International Airport, which is controlled by the insurgents. The Houthi military spokesman, Yahya Sarea, stated that the decision took effect immediately.
The Houthi blockade directly threatens the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a vital maritime chokepoint leading into the Red Sea. A total closure of this route could reduce the global oil supply by 7%, adding to the 10% cut already caused by the war in the Persian Gulf.
Facing this uncertainty, Brent crude prices hovered around $88.55 per barrel, while WTI fell to $82.30 following expectations of potential negotiations that eased market tensions.
The Houthis are a Shiite rebel group from Yemen, backed by Iran. They control the capital, Sanaa, and much of the country's north since 2014. Their alignment with Tehran makes them a key player in the current conflict pitting Iran against the United States and its regional allies.
Meanwhile, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) completed its ninth consecutive night of strikes against Iran, a conflict that began on February 28, 2026. Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian warned that the country faces a 'large-scale war'.
Official reports indicate at least 50 deaths and over 500 injuries on the Iranian side, and 17 US military personnel killed since hostilities began. On Monday, the Jordanian army claimed to have intercepted three Iranian missiles targeting the kingdom.
Despite the military escalation, diplomacy remains active. Iranian officials confirmed to Reuters that they received a proposal from mediators for a 10-day ceasefire aimed at reviving previous agreements. Pakistan, Qatar, and Oman are acting as mediators in the conflict.
On another front, the French government denounced an 'extremely grave act of intimidation' on Monday following the detention and interrogation of two employees of its embassy in Tehran by Iranian security services. The employees are now safely back at the diplomatic compound.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
