Yemen's Houthi group declared a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia on Monday, raising tensions in the Red Sea, a vital route for global energy supplies. The Houthis said the blockade was in response to what they called a Saudi-led blockade of Yemeni ports and airports, and would begin immediately. They did not provide details on how they planned to enforce it. The announcement follows a recent exchange of fire between the two sides, the first in years, which threatened a fragile United Nations-brokered truce that had largely held despite expiring in 2022. The clashes were sparked when an Iranian plane tried to land in Sanaa, Yemen's capital, challenging the current flight restrictions that limit connections to Cairo and Amman. The Red Sea has become a key route for Saudi oil exports after attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. The Houthis had previously targeted ships in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians but stopped after a US bombing campaign. While experts say the group is unlikely to resume attacks immediately, the embargo declaration could raise shipping insurance costs and affect oil prices. Saudi Arabia's defense minister has indicated the kingdom may have US support for offensive strikes, though other officials say its posture is defensive. The Houthis control much of northern Yemen, while Saudi Arabia backs an internationally recognized government based in Aden.