Reuters reports that Iran has instructed Yemen’s Houthi rebel movement to be prepared to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if the United States attacks Iran’s power infrastructure. The move raises concerns over another major disruption to global energy and shipping routes, following previous instability around the Strait of Hormuz.
The Houthis have reportedly positioned missiles and drones near the Red Sea gateway, which handles a significant share of global energy shipments and maritime trade. Any closure of Bab el-Mandeb could further pressure oil markets, disrupt shipping, and deepen concerns over regional escalation.
