Saudi Arabia urges U.S. to lift Strait of Hormuz blockade

Saudi Arabia is pressuring the United States to lift the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, fearing that sustained tension will lead Iran to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This critical passage in the Red Sea is vital for the Kingdom's oil exports, which currently reach approximately 7 million barrels per day through alternative pipelines. Official reports indicate that the U.S. initially sought to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, a move that reportedly interrupted 13 million barrels of daily exports and pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel. Iranian official Mohammad Mokhber has warned that Iran might open new fronts and increase economic pressure in response to the blockade. While Saudi officials previously considered deeper involvement in the conflict, they have recently sought a diplomatic resolution and claimed to have secured commitments from Houthi rebels to avoid targeting Saudi vessels. The situation remains volatile following reported drone activity near Saudi infrastructure and past Houthi missile launches toward Israel.