In a significant escalation of economic tensions, Yemen's Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) has imposed sanctions on 13 American entities, nine individuals, and two vessels. The move, announced on September 30, 2025, targets major players in the U.S. energy and maritime shipping sectors for their alleged violation of a Yemeni decision prohibiting the export of American crude oil.
According to a statement from Houthi-controlled The Humanitarian Operations Coordination Center (HOCC) on September 30, 2025, the sanctions are a direct response to what it terms "hostile measures" by the United States. The HOCC asserts that these entities and individuals have facilitated the "export, re-export, transport, loading, purchase, or sale of U.S. crude oil from U.S. ports." This action is being framed as an application of the "principle of reciprocity" following sanctions imposed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on June 20, July 22, and September 11, 2025.
The list of sanctioned entities includes prominent American energy giants such as ExxonMobil Sales and Supply LLC, Chevron Trading LLC, ConocoPhillips, and Phillips 66. The CEOs of these and other corporations, including Darren Wayne Woods of Exxon Mobil Corporation and Michael Karl Wirth of Chevron Corporation, have been targeted. The sanctions also extend to maritime assets, specifically naming the vessels SEAWAYS SAN SABA and SEAWAYS BRAZOS, both owned by the U.S.-based Diamond S Shipping Inc.
The Executive Director of the HOCC stated these measures are a "first installment" in response to U.S. sanctions and are based on Yemeni law that allows for the designation of hostile states, entities, and persons. The prohibition on U.S. crude oil exports came into effect on May 17, 2025. The HOCC has warned that it will "employ all means and instruments available to confront any hostile measures" and will not "tolerate any act that undermines its sovereignty, security, or stability."
The consequences for the designated parties are significant, prohibiting any transactions with them. These sanctions can also be extended to associated entities, senior executives, and even first-degree relatives of the listed individuals. The HOCC has shown that the goal is not punishment, but to "bring about positive behavioral change." This development marks a new chapter in the ongoing geopolitical tensions between Yemen and the United States, moving the conflict into the economic arena with potential ramifications for global energy markets and maritime trade.
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