Iran threatens to restrict traffic in yet another strategic strait
Against the backdrop of de facto control over the Strait of Hormuz, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued veiled threats regarding the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This narrow waterway between Yemen and the Horn of Africa is a key gateway to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
CNN reports this.
Ghalibaf publicly raised questions about the share of global oil, grain, and fertilizer shipments passing through this strait, as well as which specific countries and companies are most dependent on this route. Such statements are seen as a hint at the possibility of expanding the naval blockade with the help of the Yemeni Houthis, who are supported by Tehran.
The Suez Canal, which the strait leads to, handles 12% of global trade and 30% of all container shipments worldwide. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, approximately 6% of the world’s seaborne oil is transported through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Additionally, the Red Sea is critically important for Saudi Arabia, as it allows the country to export oil bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Through a pipeline to the port of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia can pump up to 7 million barrels of crude oil per day.
Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, which have been ongoing since late 2023, have already led to a reduction in shipping in the region by more than 50%. Most major companies are forced to reroute ships around Africa (via the Cape of Good Hope), which significantly increases delivery times and logistics costs. A potential complete blockade by Iran or its proxies of both key straits—the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—could lead to an unprecedented collapse of global supply chains and a critical shortage of resources.
Iran has proposed a deal to Europe regarding the Strait of Hormuz, potentially altering the global financial system.
We also reported that Iran maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Additionally, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will visit the U.S. from April 8 to 12. During the trip, he will hold a series of meetings, including a planned conversation with Donald Trump.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he had received a message from the new leader of the Iranian regime requesting a ceasefire. Trump is willing to consider this possibility only on the condition that the Strait of Hormuz is fully opened for the free and safe passage of ships.
As a reminder, the IRGC announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and is threatening a “harsh response” to ships.
