EU Warns Ships Linked to Israel, US, Saudi Arabia to Avoid Red Sea Amid Houthi Threats

On July 9, 2025, the European Union issued an unusual warning advising merchant vessels connected to Israel, the United States, or Saudi Arabia to avoid sailing in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden until the threat from the Houthi rebels diminishes. The EU raised the threat level in the northern Red Sea from low to medium and classified the southern Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden as medium threat zones. This follows a recent Houthi naval siege declaration against Saudi Arabia at Bab al-Mandeb, signaling increased hostilities.

The Houthis released footage showing their takeover and sinking of the ship Magic Seas, underscoring the real risk of missile, drone, unmanned vessel, and small boat attacks on ships in the area. They warned of a "siege for siege" strategy and vowed to respond harshly to any Saudi escalation, urging their supporters to prepare for all scenarios.

In a related development, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghai warned Bulgaria against allowing the US to use its territory for military operations against Iran. Bulgaria plans to seek parliamentary approval to host up to eight US refueling aircraft at its NATO and EU airbase. Baghai condemned such cooperation as complicity in aggression and war crimes, urging Bulgaria not to become an accomplice to wrongdoing.