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Yemen's Houthi Rebels Threaten US-Israel Naval Blockade Amid Iran Conflict Escalation
Houthi Rebels Threaten Naval Blockade
Yemen's Houthi rebels have declared their readiness to blockade the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in solidarity with Iran, as the war between Iran and US-Israel continues to rage. Houthi military official Abed al-Thawr warned that the group could impose a naval blockade against the United States and the Zionist regime (Israel) if a decision is made to provide military support to Iran, according to Press TV.
Al-Thawr stated that merchant vessels and warships, including aircraft carriers, destined for US soil and occupied territories (Israel) could be stopped, and a complete closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is being considered. The strait is a crucial shipping oil route, with nearly 12% of global trade and about 10% of the world's seaborne oil passing through it. A closure would force vessels to bypass the Suez Canal, adding 10 to 15 days to Asia-Europe voyages, sharply increasing shipping costs, and disrupting global supply chains.
Strait of Hormuz: Geopolitical Importance and US-Iran Tensions
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important waterways on Earth, has become the most dangerous flashpoint in the Iran-US war. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly hinted at keeping this crucial shipping lane open. On March 14, Trump announced on Truth Social that many countries, in conjunction with the United States, would send warships to the area to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open and safe. On March 13, the United States carried out heavy strikes on Kharg Island, Iran's most important oil export terminal, which handles around 90% of Iran's oil shipments. Trump later revealed he had specifically chosen not to wipe out Iran's oil infrastructure on the island, to avoid global energy market chaos. Esmail Baghaei, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman, emphasized that the security of the Strait of Hormuz is paramount to Iran, and they do not wish for instability in the region.
*Source: YouTube: Times of India (2026-03-16)*
