News - Yemen: A growing wave of Yemeni military operations and retaliatory sanctions has dealt a serious blow to the US economy, disrupting oil and gas exports, rattling global markets, and exposing what experts describe as the failure of Washington’s coercive strategy in the region.

According to analysts, the combined effects of Yemen’s naval operations in the Red Sea and US sanctions on Sana’a have produced reverse consequences for the American economy — cutting into export profits, raising shipping costs, and reshaping global energy flows in ways that benefit rival producers such as Russia.

Strategic Impact of Yemeni Operations

Economic expert Salim Al-Ja’dabi explained that Yemeni military strikes on American and Israeli-linked oil vessels — along with sanctions imposed by Sana’a — have inflicted a strategic economic hit on Washington.
He noted that the United States exports around 4 million barrels of crude oil per day, of which 40 percent (1.6 million barrels) pass through the Red Sea to Asian markets. These routes, he said, are now within range of Yemen’s Armed Forces.

Al-Ja’dabi added that Yemen’s decision to blacklist 13 major US oil companies represents a “calculated move” affecting roughly 10 million barrels of oil and derivatives consumed daily by the US and its allies. The disruption has also extended to liquefied natural gas exports, totaling 7 trillion cubic feet annually, creating ripple effects across international energy markets.

He explained that as Washington seeks to secure oil routes through the Red Sea, the resulting rise in transport and insurance costs has compounded the American economic slowdown. With crude prices hovering around $65 per barrel — near the production cost of US shale oil — profit margins for American firms have shrunk sharply.

Economic Fallout of US Sanctions

In a related analysis, Lebanese economist Imad Akkoush said the latest US sanctions on Yemen have backfired, amplifying market volatility and further undermining America’s trade balance. He pointed out that the United States exports 4 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum derivatives and 7 million tons of natural gas daily, representing roughly 25 percent of its total production.

Akkoush warned that these exports — particularly those passing through the Red Sea — now face heightened risks, forcing US energy companies to reassess export volumes and long-term strategies under increasingly costly conditions.

He added that rising insurance premiums for ships in high-risk zones are inflating financial burdens on US oil firms, making overseas sales less profitable. Meanwhile, Russian oil and gas, available in large quantities and at lower prices, are regaining ground in global markets, providing alternative supplies for Asian importers such as China, South Korea, and Thailand.

Global Repercussions and US Economic Strain

Both experts agreed that the twin pressure of sanctions and Yemeni operations is accelerating the US economic downturn. Akkoush highlighted that Washington is already facing a partial government shutdown, high inflation, a weakening dollar, and rising consumer prices, leaving the administration with limited tools to contain the crisis.

He warned that the compounded effects could reshape global trade routes and weaken US dominance over global energy policies. “The repercussions of Yemen’s measures will have a profound medium- and long-term impact on the American economy,” Akkoush said, suggesting that Washington may eventually be forced to reconsider its economic war on Yemen.

Recently, the Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) announced the imposition of sanctions on 13 entities, nine individuals, and two assets linked to the United States, citing violations of the US crude oil export ban, officially designated under Resolution No. PD-05-25-001.

This step comes in response to escalating US measures against Yemen and reflects the policy of reciprocity adopted by Yemen to confront “hostile actions” threatening its sovereignty.

Classifying the entities, individuals, and assets on the PAYAIS sanctions list marks a qualitative step in countering US violations of Yemen’s sovereignty-related resolutions. It underscores Yemen’s active role in defending its economic and strategic interests, while seeking to balance punishment with positive change in international behavior.