[Saudi Arabia Urges the U.S. to Lift Hormuz Strait Blockade] Odaily Planet Daily News – Saudi Arabia is pressuring the United States to abandon its blockade of the Hormuz Strait and return to the negotiating table. Saudi Arabia is concerned that U.S. President Trump's move to block the strait could provoke retaliatory actions from Iran, potentially leading to the closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a critical passageway for the Red Sea and is vital for Saudi Arabia's daily export of approximately 7 million barrels of oil. Previously, attacks on vessels in the Hormuz Strait by Iran disrupted the export of about 13 million barrels of oil per day, driving oil prices above $100. On Monday, Trump imposed a blockade on Iranian ports. Arab officials stated that Iran is pressuring Yemen's Houthi forces to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Saudi energy officials noted that Saudi Arabia had previously secured a promise from the Houthi forces not to attack its vessels, but the situation remains uncertain. (WSJ)