Iran War & Ceasefire — 2026-04-10
Houthis Threaten to Close Bab el-Mandeb Strait to US and Israeli Ships
Yemen's Houthis warned they may close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, connecting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, to American and Israeli shipping, mirroring Iran's selective-pressure approach at Hormuz. A Yemeni military official stated the closure is "likely" and vowed to maintain a "naval and air blockade" of Israel and the US. The Houthis have not acknowledged the
Analysis
The Houthis adopting Iran's tollbooth model at Bab el-Mandeb creates a second chokepoint beyond Hormuz. Combined closure would force all Asia-Europe shipping around the Cape of Good Hope, adding 10-14 days per voyage. The Houthis' refusal to acknowledge the ceasefire means this threat persists independent of Islamabad outcomes.
The Houthis adopting Iran's tollbooth model at Bab el-Mandeb creates a second chokepoint beyond Hormuz. Combined closure would force all Asia-Europe shipping around the Cape of Good Hope, adding 10-14 days per voyage. The Houthis' refusal to acknowledge the ceasefire means this threat persists independent of Islamabad outcomes.
3 sources
- As Iran ceasefire wobbles, Houthis hold next potential chokepoint on oil, commerce -
Washington Times - Ceasefire provides opening for Houthis to use Tehran tollbooth formula to choke shipping -
The National - What to Know About the Bab El-Mandeb Strait as Iran Threatens to Restrict Another Key Trade Passage -
Time