Houthis block Bab al-Mandeb Strait, disrupting Red Sea shipping

The Iran‑backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have announced the closure of maritime traffic through the Bab al‑Mandeb Strait, a chokepoint that handles up to 15% of global trade between Europe and Asia. The move follows a series of Houthi attacks on commercial vessels linked to Israel and its allies, prompting the United States and the United Kingdom to launch airstrikes against Houthi‑controlled areas in retaliation.

The blockade has forced Saudi oil tankers bound for China and India to turn back, raised concerns for the Suez Canal route, and added to the estimated $40 billion cost of the wider Red Sea conflict. Analysts warn that the disruption could push oil prices higher, with Brent crude approaching $100 a barrel and U.S. gasoline prices exceeding $4 per gallon. The heightened tension also threatens Egypt’s economy, which relies on Red Sea trade.

The Houthis, led by Abdul‑Malik al‑Houthi, say the attacks will continue until the war in Gaza ends, framing their actions as solidarity with Palestinians. Their ability to threaten a vital maritime corridor underscores the broader geopolitical stakes involving Iran, the United States, the United Kingdom, and regional Gulf states.