A leading Houthi official has threatened to impose a "siege" on Saudi Arabia in response to an attack on Sanaa International Airport, raising fears of a renewed all-out war in Yemen. Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthi political bureau, stated that if Saudi Arabia attacks Yemeni airports, the group reserves the right to strike Saudi airports and implement a blockade.

The attack on Sanaa International Airport occurred on Monday, with the Houthis blaming Saudi Arabia. However, Yemen's internationally recognized government claimed responsibility, citing the need to prevent an Iranian plane from landing in the Houthi-controlled capital. The incident marks a significant escalation after four years of relative calm, following a temporary truce.

Al-Bukhaiti told Al Jazeera that the "de-escalation phase" of the Yemen war, ongoing since the Houthi takeover of Sanaa in 2014, has ended. This escalation follows recent clashes in Hodeidah and threatens to unravel the fragile peace.

The strikes targeted Sanaa Airport's runway as an Iranian plane, carrying a Houthi delegation from Tehran, was en route. The delegation had attended the funeral of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Al-Bukhaiti was reportedly among the passengers on the diverted flight.

In retaliation for the Sanaa Airport attack, the Houthis launched a ballistic missile salvo targeting Saudi Arabia's Abha International Airport. The Saudi-led coalition announced successful interception of the missiles. The Houthis have vowed further action to end the "siege" on Sanaa Airport and intend to continue flights between Sanaa and Tehran, indicating a willingness to disrupt Saudi airports to achieve this.

Recent tensions were sparked by a July 3 flight between Tehran and Sanaa. The Houthis accused Saudi warplanes of attempting to prevent the Iranian plane's landing, marking the first publicly announced Iranian flight on this route.

The renewed hostilities could have broader implications for regional stability and global energy markets, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing geopolitical landscape.

Unresolved questions remain regarding the extent of the Houthis' capabilities and their commitment to sustained attacks on Saudi infrastructure, as well as the international community's response to this significant escalation.