US and allies face loss of control over maritime chokepoints

The United States and its allies, including Israel and Saudi Arabia, are facing significant challenges regarding control over key maritime chokepoints. Iran has demonstrated the ability to reduce oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz from approximately 20 million barrels per day to an estimated 5 to 7 million barrels per day.

In Yemen, the Houthi movement (Ansarullah) has expanded its control by capturing 17 additional districts, securing much of the southwest coast from the port of Mocha toward the Bab al-Mandeb strait. This territorial expansion follows the capture of sophisticated US military equipment previously provided to Saudi-backed Yemeni forces.

Additionally, Iraqi Shiite militias allied with Iran have targeted the Saudi East-West oil pipeline, which is used to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, forcing a temporary shutdown of the line.