Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry condemned on Monday a claim by Yemen’s Houthi group of a “naval blockade.”

Based on a statement from the ministry, Saudi Arabia will take “all necessary measures” to protect its ships.

Armed Houthi forces had earlier announced the same day that they would impose “a maritime blockade against the criminal Saudi enemy” based on the principle of “an eye for an eye,” and immediately. They described the move as a response to what they called Saudi Arabia’s “oppressive blockade” of Yemen.

Reuters reported that this decision could open a new front against the United States in the war with the Islamic Republic and extend threats to the global supply of energy and trade beyond the Persian Gulf.