Yemen openly backs Iran, threatens to close Bab-el-Mandeb sea route
Yemen backs Iran and threatens to close the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, raising concerns over global oil supply, shipping disruptions, and escalating Middle East tensions.
New York (The Uttam Hindu): Amid rising tensions in the Middle East following the US blockade of Iranian ports ordered by Donald Trump, Yemen has openly come out in support of Iran. The country has warned that it could shut down the strategically vital Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
Threat to key global shipping route
According to International Crisis Group Yemen analyst Ahmed Nagi, the ruling Houthi movement may escalate the situation in its territorial waters. He stated that if Yemen blocks the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, it could significantly impact global oil prices and disrupt the international shipping industry.
Nagi explained that such a move would double the pressure on the United States, as Iran already holds influence over the Strait of Hormuz. If both these crucial maritime routes face disruption, global energy supply chains could be severely affected.
Risk of escalation if blockade continues
He further warned that if the US continues its blockade on Iranian ports and Iran suffers losses, the Houthi movement could intensify its operations in the Bab-el-Mandeb region.
Yemen has also cautioned that any restriction in this corridor would put additional strain on the already stressed global supply chains. Not only oil, but the supply of essential goods could also be affected, leading to wider economic consequences worldwide.
Earlier, the Houthi-led Ansar Allah movement had indicated that if the US and Israel launch fresh attacks on Iran, it would escalate its military operations further.