The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have announced a maritime ban on Saudia Arabian shipping in the Red Sea, a move that could further strain global energy supplies. When fighting with the US intensified last week, Iran's Revolutionary Guard asked its Houthi allies to stand ready to close the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait — compounding the impact of its effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Tit-for-tat strikes between the US and Iran have continued for a tenth night. And there are warnings of wider escalation — with the Houthis and Riyadh threatening each other with force. For more news @sbsnews_au (link in bio) - @sbsnews_au