Iran has instructed Yemen's Houthi movement to prepare for potential attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, particularly targeting the Bab el-Mandeb strait, according to senior Iranian sources. This directive comes amid escalating tensions with the United States, which has threatened to strike Iranian power infrastructure. The Houthis are reportedly waiting for final orders to begin operations against maritime traffic in the area.
Military Preparations
A source close to the Houthis confirmed that the group has positioned stockpiles of drones and advanced missiles across Yemen's highlands, overlooking Hodeidah and the Gulf of Aden. Operational decisions regarding any closure of the strait will be overseen by representatives of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stationed in Yemen. The Bab el-Mandeb strait is a critical chokepoint for global energy trade, accommodating approximately 7% of the world's energy shipments.
Impact on Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia faces heightened risks due to its reliance on the Red Sea for energy exports. Following the collapse of a four-year truce with the Houthis, the kingdom has diverted roughly 70% of its energy exports through the Red Sea port of Yanbu. Saudi crude shipments through Yanbu have surged to an average of 4.7 million barrels per day since the truce ended on July 13, up from 973,000 bpd during the same period in 2025. The escalation in Houthi missile attacks against Saudi targets has prompted the kingdom to maximize its operational capacity at the Yanbu port.
Disruptions in the Bab el-Mandeb strait could lead to increased shipping costs and delays for energy firms, particularly affecting crude oil prices. Any significant closure of the strait may force vessels to reroute around Africa, exacerbating the ongoing global energy crisis. Investors will watch for further developments in U.S.-Iran tensions and any official announcements from the Houthis regarding operational readiness.