A New Threat by Yemen’s Houthis Could Widen the Iran War and Put Another Trade Chokepoint at Risk
The rebels say the move targets Saudi-linked vessels after recent attacks, and officials warn it could disrupt more than 7 million barrels a day.
- Yemen's Houthi rebels declared a blockade of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait against Saudi-linked shipping, targeting one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints connecting the Red Sea to global trade routes.
- The rebels claim the closure retaliates against Saudi Arabia's blockade of Yemen and a recent strike on the airport in Sanaa earlier this month, where Houthi leaders had just returned from Iran.
- Around 12% of global trade passes through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with more than 7 million barrels of petroleum transiting the narrows in June compared to around 4 million before the Iran war.
- President Donald Trump told reporters on Tuesday, "So far, it hasn't happened," while Saudi military spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki vowed to keep the strait open amid threats of military action.
- Shippers rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope would add one or two weeks to voyages and raise costs, while the blockade risks widening the Iran war and further disrupting global oil supplies.
195 Articles
195 Articles
The US and Iran pause their attacks – but the Huthis escalate: attacks on Aramco, ship traffic breaks in. Netanyahu flies to Trump.
'Decade-Old Frozen Conflict': Yemen Teeters Towards Renewed War in Shadow of Iran Conflict
The Houthis said the airport attack responded to a Saudi attack on an airport under their control and that the naval blockade was a response to a Saudi siege on Yemen, which Saudi Arabia has denied.
Shipping traffic is coming under pressure not only in the Strait of Hormuz, but also in the Bab al-Mandeb strait on the other side of the Arabian Peninsula. This is potentially disastrous, especially for the Gulf States. Six questions and answers about the Houthi naval blockade.
Iran war closes Hormuz, Bab al-Mandeb simultaneously for first time ever
For the first time since records began, both of the Middle East's great oil chokepoints are shut at once for the first time ever. The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since February 28, and now Bab al-Mandeb Strait is also shut.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 39% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
