Houthis threaten to shut Bab al-Mandeb over 'US policies'
Turkiye Today9 hrs
Houthis Threaten to Close Bab al-Mandeb Strait
Is the Houthis' threat to close Bab al-Mandeb a credible ultimatum that could trigger global economic catastrophe or an empty bluff from a weakened force?
Above: A Yemeni Houthi soldier mans a machine gun during a demonstration staged to show solidarity with Iran in Sana'a on April 3, 2026. Image credit: Mohammed Hamoud/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Iran narrative
The Houthis aren't bluffing about closing Bab al-Mandeb — this is a direct warning that continued pressure and aggression against Iran will not go unanswered. The strait handles a massive share of global oil and commodity flows, and the Tehran-aligned Houthis have already proven they can cripple Red Sea shipping. Ignoring this signal while tensions at the Strait of Hormuz already boil over risks triggering a global economic catastrophe driven by sustained escalation.
Anti-Iran narrative
The Houthi threat to close Bab al-Mandeb is more posture than power — their arsenal was degraded by U.S. strikes and Israeli operations disrupted Iran’s proxy command structures. Closing the strait would invite retaliation from Gulf states protecting their oil lifeline, a risk the Houthis and Tehran clearly fear. Acting as part of Iran’s broader proxy strategy is one thing; actually blockading a chokepoint carrying 12% of global trade is a far more dangerous gamble.
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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 6.18.0