Yemen's Houthi movement has formally declared war on the United States and announced it will launch attacks on ships transiting the Red Sea, dramatically widening the scope of the Middle East conflict.

The Houthis, who control large swaths of Yemen and maintain close ties to Tehran, declared their full support for Iran in the escalating confrontation with Washington. Their strategic position along the Red Sea coast gives them the ability to threaten one of the world's most critical shipping lanes.

The announcement has sent shockwaves through global supply chains, with shipping companies already rerouting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid the Red Sea corridor. Industry analysts estimate that the disruption could add weeks to delivery times and billions in additional costs to international trade.

Military experts warn that the Houthis have demonstrated significant capability in maritime warfare, having previously targeted commercial and military vessels with anti-ship missiles and explosive-laden drones. The expansion of the conflict to the Red Sea threatens to create a second front that would stretch US naval resources and further destabilize global commerce.