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.

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Emily Feng

Emily Feng is NPR's Beijing correspondent.

Leila Fadel

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