Iran has allegedly commanded the Houthi rebels in Yemen to ready a blockade of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This strategic maritime passage serves as a vital entrance to the Red Sea. The instruction was issued as a contingency plan should the United States decide to strike Iranian power facilities, according to three individuals with knowledge of the situation.
Two high-ranking Iranian officials and a regional representative confirmed that this directive was discussed by Tehran’s leadership and subsequently relayed to the Houthi faction. While the exact timing remains unclear, the communication follows recent warnings from President Donald Trump regarding potential military action against Iranian energy infrastructure. Both the Iranian Foreign Ministry and Houthi spokespersons have declined to comment on these reports.
A contact associated with the Houthis stated that the group has already finalized its mobilization efforts to disrupt commercial maritime traffic. Missiles and drones are reportedly staged near the strait, with additional weaponry positioned throughout the Yemeni highlands near the Gulf of Aden and Hodeidah. The group is currently standing by for formal instructions to initiate operations.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait remains a critical artery for international commerce. Experts caution that a shutdown here, compounded by the existing instability at the Strait of Hormuz, would trigger a catastrophic global energy crisis. Such a dual disruption could destabilize worldwide trade and significantly elevate the danger of a broader regional war.
