Iran Urges Houthi Rebels to Prepare Blockade of Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Iran Directs Houthi Rebels to Prepare Blockade of Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Tehran has instructed Houthi rebels in Yemen to prepare for the immediate closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital maritime chokepoint connecting the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea. According to three sources, including two Iranian officials, the directive serves as a strategic response should the United States strike Iranian energy infrastructure.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait serves as a critical artery for global trade, facilitating the movement of approximately 7% of the world’s energy supply. Analysts note that the route is essential for global shipping, as it connects the Indian Ocean to Europe via the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean Sea.

A Coordinated Military Threat

Reports indicate that Houthi forces have already finalized preparations to execute the blockade. The group has positioned missiles and drones in strategic locations, specifically near the strait, the Hodeidah region, and the Gulf of Aden. Sources confirmed that the rebels are currently awaiting a final order to initiate operations. To ensure operational oversight, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has reportedly deployed a specialized group to manage potential actions at Bab el-Mandeb.

This directive follows escalating rhetoric between Washington and Tehran. U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the United States could target Iranian power plants and bridges if a new agreement is not reached. In response, Iranian officials have threatened to destroy American infrastructure in the region and have reiterated their claim of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, which they describe as an “insurmountable red line.”

For more on this story, see Global Oil Prices Drop Below $75 as Strait of Hormuz Traffic Rebounds: U.S.-Iran Deal Eases Tensions & Boosts Shipping” (Alternative optimized version for maximum CTR & SEO impact:) “Oil Slumps to $75 as Hormuz Traffic Surges-How the U.S.-Iran Deal Is Reshaping Global Markets & Shipping.

Global Energy and Trade Risks

The potential closure of the Red Sea route presents a severe threat to the global energy market. The Strait of Hormuz is already experiencing significant disruptions, and a simultaneous closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait would effectively cut off the two primary oil and gas export routes from the Middle East.

The stakes for the global economy are substantial:
* Energy Supply: Roughly 7% of global energy flows through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
* Shipping Volume: The route handles between 20% and 30% of global container ship traffic.
* Logistical Costs: Previous disruptions forced carriers to divert ships around the Cape of Good Hope, adding approximately 6,000 kilometers and 10 to 15 days to transit times, significantly increasing freight costs.
* Infrastructure: Saudi Arabia has diverted approximately 70% of its energy exports through the port of Yanbu on the Red Sea, making that facility a critical point of vulnerability.

Escalation in the Region

The threat to the Red Sea occurs against a backdrop of intensifying regional conflict. On Monday, Houthi rebels launched missiles at Saudi Arabia following allegations that the kingdom bombed an airport under Houthi control, effectively ending a four-year truce.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Central Command confirmed it has conducted a series of strikes against Iranian targets, including command centers, air defense systems, and coastal surveillance facilities. The U.S. military stated these actions were intended to weaken Iran’s capacity to threaten commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation for these operations and new port blockades, Iran has reportedly claimed responsibility for attacks against Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.

As tensions rise, the global market remains volatile. Investors are closely monitoring the situation, as any further escalation could force a sustained increase in oil prices and disrupt the flow of commodities worldwide. While Iran has historically been cautious about fully utilizing its influence over these maritime routes to avoid international mobilization against it, the current alignment with the Houthis—who rely heavily on Iranian funding—suggests a shift in the regional security landscape.

This follows our earlier report, Trump Rejects Iran Ceasefire at NATO Summit as De Wever Urges Focus on Ukraine.

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