Iran has told its Houthi allies in Yemen to prepare to shut the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint at the mouth of the Red Sea, if the United States targets Iranian power infrastructure, multiple sources confirmed [1, 2, 3, 4]. The warning comes amid a sharp escalation in US-Iran hostilities that began with US air strikes targeting Iranian military capabilities near the southern coast from July 15 to 16 [1, 3]. These were the first two major waves of US strikes in a single day since a June truce [1, 3].
In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on US military bases in neighboring countries, including Jordan, heightening regional tensions [1, 3]. Iranian officials denied a US claim that an American detainee had been released, with the judiciary disputing such reports [1, 3].
The conflict milestones include US projectiles striking Iranian sites near Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island on July 16, followed by Iranian missile strikes on US bases the same day [1, 3]. Iran then conveyed instructions to the Houthis to prepare for potential closure of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait on July 16 [2, 4].
The Houthis have deployed missiles and drones near the strait and await orders to attack shipping, raising fears of disruption in a key global maritime route [4]. Experts warn that even if the Houthis cannot fully close the strait, their operations could severely disrupt commercial shipping, escalating costs and risks [4]. Nadwa Al-Dawsari of the Middle East Institute cautioned, "This threat should be taken seriously. With recent escalation and U.S. strikes on Iran, Tehran has already signaled that the Bab al-Mandeb could become part of its response" [4].
Ex-British ambassador to Yemen Edmund Fitton-Brown noted, "It will be interesting if the Houthis do go all in, and resume their campaign against Red Sea shipping with full intensity. This will draw international anger and likely result in Israeli and U.S. strikes on Sana’a and Hodeida" [4].
The ongoing US air strikes against Iranian targets have now entered their sixth consecutive night, reflecting continued military pressure [1, 3]. Meanwhile, the broader escalation has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, another vital energy route, causing halts and driving up energy prices [1, 3].
The situation remains tense as Washington and Tehran trade attacks while the Bab al-Mandeb Strait stands as a possible flashpoint. Monitoring of Houthi military movements continues, with any attempt to disrupt this maritime route expected to provoke swift responses from the US and its allies.
