Iran Orders Houthis to Block Bab al-Mandeb Strait

The Government of Iran has instructed the Houthi movement in Yemen to prepare for a total closure of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This directive serves as a contingency plan in response to threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to target Iranian power plants and critical infrastructure. Houthi forces have already deployed missiles and drones in the highlands overlooking Hodeidah and the Gulf of Aden, awaiting final orders to attack commercial shipping.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members stationed in Yemen will determine the timing of the blockade. This escalation follows a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports and six consecutive days of strikes by U.S. Central Command against Iranian targets. Iran has already closed the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to a global energy crisis. The potential closure of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which carries approximately 7% of global energy supplies, would further disrupt maritime trade and increase energy costs.

Simultaneously, the Houthis have expanded ties with Somalia's al-Shabaab, reportedly receiving Iranian drone technology to secure both sides of the strait. In a separate development, the Houthis fired missiles at Saudi Arabia, breaking a four-year truce after accusing the kingdom of bombing a Houthi-controlled airport. This puts additional pressure on Saudi Arabia, which currently diverts 70% of its energy exports through the Red Sea port of Yanbu.