Tehran, Iran – Sources told Reuters that Iran has asked the Houthi group in Yemen to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait if the United States launches attacks targeting the Iranian energy network, in a development that reflects the potential for a wider regional escalation.
Iranian request to the Houthis
Reuters quoted informed sources as saying that Tehran had told the Houthis they must close the Bab al-Mandab Strait if Iran’s energy infrastructure were attacked by the United States, as part of what the sources described as plans to retaliate against any targeting of critical infrastructure in Iran. The sources did not provide details on how this demand would be implemented or its potential timing.
Bab al-Mandab is a strategic waterway
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. A significant portion of global trade and oil shipments pass through it, making any disruption to navigation through the strait a direct threat to global markets.
Any threat of closing the strait raises concerns about disruptions to supply chains and a rise in transportation costs and energy prices.
Awaiting official statements
There has been no official comment yet from Iran, the United States, or the Houthi group regarding the Reuters report.
This information comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, with fears that the confrontation could widen to include vital shipping lanes in the region, potentially impacting international maritime security and the stability of energy markets.
