A Houthi threat to impose a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea could significantly widen the Iran war and strain a U.S. military already focused on stopping Tehran’s attacks across the region, current and former U.S. officials said.

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis said Monday they would not allow ships to load or unload at Saudi ports, potentially blocking Saudi oil exports and choking off an additional 7% of global oil supply.

Saudi Arabia, which hosts U.S. forces, ​has not yet requested military assistance from Washington. But Trump suggested on Tuesday that a move by the group to obstruct shipping in the Red Sea — a ‌vital ‌corridor for global trade — could draw the United States in.