Iran-backed Houthis target Saudi shipping, raising fears of wider regional conflict

NPR | By Emily Feng,

Leila Fadel

Published July 21, 2026 at 4:44 AM EDT

Iran-backed Houthis impose Saudi maritime embargo, threatening Red Sea shipping and raising fears of renewed regional conflict.

Emily Feng

Emily Feng is NPR's Beijing correspondent.

See stories by Emily Feng

Leila Fadel

Leila Fadel is a national correspondent for NPR based in Los Angeles, covering issues of culture, diversity, and race.

See stories by Leila Fadel

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