The Iran-U.S. conflict is threatening to widen dramatically after Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels opened a new front by targeting Red Sea shipping, raising the prospect of a broader regional war involving Saudi Arabia, Israel, and potentially Pakistan.

The Houthis have declared a blockade on Saudi oil shipments through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi-linked tankers, further escalating tensions as President Donald Trump weighs military action against Iran.

The strategic waterway, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, carries roughly 12% of global trade and has become even more critical as Iran's actions have disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the Houthis' move opens a dangerous second maritime front that threatens global energy supplies and could force additional regional powers into the conflict.

"They are a nonnaval power that can execute a maritime blockade and hold the global economy hostage," Yemen analyst Adam Baron told the newspaper. "They did this before and are aware they have this leverage."

The Houthis said they attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, causing fires aboard both vessels. Saudi Arabia confirmed an attack on one tanker, while the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center also reported the incident. No casualties were reported.

The latest escalation follows renewed fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis after years of relative calm under a 2022 truce.

The rebels claim their blockade is retaliation for what they describe as Saudi attacks on Yemen and the kingdom's continued restrictions on Houthi-controlled territory.

Trump has made clear the United States will hold Iran responsible for attacks carried out by its proxy forces.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also urged the Houthis to stand down, warning that they had been manipulated by Tehran.

Military analysts say even sporadic Houthi attacks could effectively close the Bab el-Mandeb by driving up insurance costs and persuading commercial shipping companies to avoid the route altogether.

The Journal reported Saudi Arabia and the United States would prefer to avoid another major conflict in Yemen while American forces remain heavily engaged against Iran.

However, Riyadh has warned it will respond forcefully to any threats against commercial navigation.

The Houthis possess a growing arsenal of drones, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and explosive-laden boats despite lacking a conventional navy.

During the Gaza conflict, they attacked more than 100 commercial vessels and forced many shipping companies to reroute around Africa, adding weeks to global supply chains.

Analysts say Tehran benefits from opening another pressure point against the United States and its allies as U.S. airstrikes continue against Iranian military targets.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.