Yemen's Foreign Minister Warns Houthi Plans to Replicate Iranian Strait of Hormuz Model in Bab al-Mandeb

Yemen's foreign minister Afrah al‑Zouba told journalists that Houthi rebels are seeking to imitate Iran's control strategy in the Strait of Hormuz and apply it to the Bab al‑Mandeb Strait. She said the group has drawn boldness from what she described as an international reaction that “lacked sufficient seriousness” toward past attacks on commercial navigation.

Al‑Zouba warned that continued Houthi pressure could threaten the safety of international shipping and oil exports, and she noted that the Yemeni government is preparing security measures to protect vital infrastructure. She also mentioned ongoing Omani‑mediated talks in Muscat aimed at containing any further escalation.