Frank Gardner: Houthi attacks raise fears of wider Middle East conflict and more global economic damage
Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea are threatening global trade routes and raising concerns about a broader Middle East conflict. These disruptions, coupled with ongoing US-Iran tensions, are creating significant economic risks for global energy and supply chains.
Why it matters
The potential closure of vital maritime chokepoints like the Bab El Mandeb Strait poses a direct threat to the global economy and energy security.
Image source, NASA Worldview/Reuters Image caption, Attacks launched from Yemen could disrupt the vital Bab El Mandeb Strait shipping route, further restricting global trade
Yemen's Houthi fighters claim to have attacked shipping in the Red Sea - a move that threatens to further escalate the already volatile situation in the Middle East.
By forcing ships to turn back from the narrow Bab El Mandeb strait, they have threatened to choke off the main maritime route from Europe to Asia.
It comes as US-Iran strikes continue and while a deal to develop Saudi Arabia's nuclear industry prompts fears of an arms race.
So is the Middle East becoming more dangerous?
So far, 2026 is sadly proving to be one of the more violent years for parts of the Middle East.
For 12 consecutive nights, US Central Command (Centcom) has carried out air strikes on Iranian coastal radar, drone and missile bases.
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