Tehran Instructs Houthi Group to Prepare for Bab al-Mandab Closure if Energy Infrastructure is Targeted

International media reports indicated that Iran has requested the Houthi group in Yemen to prepare for a potential closure of the Bab al-Mandab Strait in the Red Sea, should the United States launch military strikes against energy infrastructure inside Iran. Sources revealed that Tehran emphasized the need for readiness amid escalating military tensions and mutual threats of targeting vital installations. Consequently, the Houthi group has reportedly reinforced its deployment of drones and missiles near the strait. The Bab al-Mandab Strait is a critical global maritime gateway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, serving as a primary artery for global trade and energy supplies between Asia and Europe. Experts warn that any disruption to navigation there could severely impact global oil and shipping markets, driving up maritime transport and insurance costs.