Yemen’s Houthi rebels have issued a fresh and serious warning over global maritime security, stating that they may move to close the strategically crucial Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The group has demanded an immediate halt to policies and actions led by US President Donald Trump, which it claims are obstructing peace efforts. Speaking on social media platform X, Hussein Al-Ezzi, deputy foreign minister of the Houthi administration in Sanaa, warned that if the strait is shut, no global power would be able to reopen it, escalating concerns over international shipping safety.
The Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints and a key gateway to the Suez Canal. Measuring just about 29 kilometres in width, the strait plays a critical role in global trade, particularly for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments from Gulf countries to Europe and other regions. Around 4.5 million barrels of crude oil pass through the route daily, accounting for nearly 10–12% of global maritime trade, making it highly vulnerable to disruptions.
Analysts say the renewed threat is linked to rising regional tensions, including pressure on Iran and continued US military presence in the Middle East. The Houthis have previously targeted commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea corridor, and their latest remarks have further heightened fears of a broader escalation. Yemen’s internationally recognised government has condemned the statements, warning that any attempt to militarise or block international waterways would endanger global stability and violate maritime norms.
The economic implications of any disruption are considered severe. Shipping routes would likely be diverted around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing travel time by nearly 10 days and significantly raising operational costs. Experts warn that such rerouting would intensify global supply chain pressures, potentially pushing up fuel prices and affecting the movement of essential goods between Asia and Europe. The situation is particularly sensitive given existing concerns over other strategic chokepoints, including the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, international powers have stepped up monitoring of the situation, with the United States and European Union maintaining naval deployments in the Red Sea region to safeguard commercial traffic. US Central Command continues to track developments closely, while Iran has warned of broader regional consequences if tensions escalate further. Security analysts caution that the narrow geography of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait makes it highly susceptible to drone and missile threats, underscoring growing risks to one of the world’s most vital trade arteries.