Iran’s military has issued a stark warning that it will close the Bab el-Mandeb strait and other key shipping routes, significantly widening the scope of potential maritime disruptions in the Middle East.
The threat, reported by Iranian state media, comes as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared it would target "all other export corridors that benefit the U.S. and its allies." This escalation follows Iran’s recent declaration that the Strait of Hormuz is closed to all maritime traffic, a move that has already sent shockwaves through global energy markets.
The potential closure of the Bab el-Mandeb, a critical chokepoint for Red Sea trade, would severely impact global supply chains.
The strait handles a significant portion of global container traffic and energy flows between Europe and Asia.
If enforced, alongside the Hormuz blockade, the disruption would likely trigger a sharp spike in freight rates and further pressure on oil prices.
Markets are already pricing in heightened geopolitical risk, with Brent crude remaining volatile amid ongoing tensions.
This development marks a significant escalation in the region’s geopolitical standoff.
Iran has previously signaled its willingness to work with Houthi forces to disrupt Red Sea shipping, but a direct threat to close the Bab el-Mandeb represents a new level of aggression.