Iran has reportedly instructed Yemen’s Houthi terrorists to prepare to close a critical Red Sea gateway if the United States attacks Iranian power infrastructure. This threat should be taken seriously, according to Nadwa Al-Dawsari of the Middle East Institute.
Global Shipping at Risk
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea and Suez Canal, making it one of the world’s most important maritime choke points. The consequences of renewed attacks would be especially severe because Iran has already disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Experts warn that the Houthi terrorists may not need to physically control the waterway to disrupt shipping. Repeated attacks or even a credible threat of them can push major shipping companies to reroute vessels, driving up insurance, fuel, and freight costs.
US and Israeli Response
Edmund Fitton-Brown, a former British ambassador to Yemen, warned that a full resumption of the Houthi maritime campaign could trigger wider fighting and likely result in Israeli and US strikes on Sana’a and Hodeida.
The US State Department has condemned the actions of Iran and the Houthi terrorists, warning that they could inflame regional tensions and further disrupt global supply chains.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
