Iran has instructed Yemen's Houthi movement to prepare to close the crucial Red Sea oil route if the United States continues airstrikes on Iranian power infrastructure, according to senior Iranian and regional sources. The directive could threaten global energy supplies by disrupting shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a critical chokepoint for oil tankers.
Preparations for Deployment
Sources claim that the Houthis have completed preparations to deploy missiles and drones near the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The proposals have been discussed with Iranian leaders and relayed to their Houthi allies, Reuters reports. Two senior Iranian sources and a regional source familiar with the matter confirmed the plans.
The Houthi movement, which controls large parts of Yemen including the strategic port of Hodeidah, has previously used drones and missiles to target Saudi-led coalition forces and commercial shipping in the region. A closure of the Bab el-Mandeb would force oil tankers to take a longer route around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing costs and transit times.
Potential Impact on Global Energy
The Red Sea route is vital for oil shipments from the Middle East to Europe and North America. Any disruption could spike oil prices and exacerbate existing supply chain pressures. The US has conducted airstrikes on Iranian power infrastructure as part of its campaign to curb Tehran's nuclear program, according to officials. Iran has warned of retaliation, and the Houthi threat is seen as a potential asymmetric response.
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