Iran has issued a stark conditional warning to Houthi rebels in Yemen, urging them to close the Bab el-Mandeb strait if the United States launches attacks on Iranian power infrastructure.
The threat, reported by Swedish news agency Direkt, introduces a new variable to the already volatile security landscape in the Red Sea region.
The Strait of Hormuz remains the primary chokepoint for global oil shipments, with Iran previously warning of forceful responses to any tankers deviating from established routes.
The potential closure of Bab el-Mandeb, a critical gateway for vessels traveling between the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean, would force significant rerouting and increase transit times for energy cargoes.
Markets are reacting to the heightened geopolitical risk, with Brent crude prices showing volatility as traders assess the probability of a dual-chokepoint disruption.
The threat underscores the fragility of global supply chains, where political escalations can rapidly translate into physical shipping constraints.