The Houthis issue email permits to ships to cross the Red Sea

Houthi forces in Yemen, backed by Iran, have established control over maritime traffic in the Red Sea by allowing ships to request safe passage via email. Following a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, some vessels now contact the Houthis for secure transit. The Houthis typically respond within 24 hours, confirming safe passage for ships that declare no ties to Israel, the UK, or the US. They also offer a subscription service for email alerts on maritime updates. The fragile ceasefire from 2022 collapsed in July when the Houthis allowed an Iranian plane to land in Sanaa, leading to increased attacks on Saudi vessels and solidifying their control over the Yemeni coastline.