After blocking Hormuz, Iran signals it could ramp up pressure and shut Red Sea gateway

Iran is reportedly signaling its potential to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital Red Sea gateway, through its Houthi allies in Yemen, following its disruption of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. This move would open a new front against Washington and threaten two crucial global energy arteries. A senior Yemeni official warned that closing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could send oil prices soaring to $200 a barrel if Saudi Arabia continues its attacks on Yemen. Mohammed al-Farah of the Houthi movement stated, "If the current situation aggravates, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz will be closed in an operational alliance." Analysts suggest Iran aims to increase pressure on Washington by extending threats to global trade and energy supplies beyond the Gulf, potentially escalating the conflict from a bilateral confrontation to a challenge to global sea lanes.