Iran eyes the Red Sea: How it can control the vital martime chokepoint
Iran has signaled potential plans to disrupt shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean. Analysts suggest Iran may leverage Houthi rebels in Yemen to exert control over this vital trade route.
Why it matters
Disruption of this strait would significantly impact global energy markets, supply chains, and digital infrastructure, as it is a primary route for international trade.
Iran has signalled that it could expand pressure beyond the Strait of Hormuz to another of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the southern entrance to the Red Sea. The warning comes as disruptions in Hormuz continue to strain global energy markets and shipping.“Regional energy exports are either shared by all, or denied to all,” the IRGC said in a statement.The message was interpreted by analysts as Iran signaling that it may use its Yemen-based Houthi allies to shut the Bab el-Mandeb gateway to the Red Sea.Why the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is so importantOften called the "Gate of Tears", the Bab el-Mandeb Strait links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.
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