Bab el-Mandeb Strait: Has Iran found second global choke point after Hormuz?

Iran could open a new front in the strategically vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait if attacks are carried out on its territory or islands, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, which cited an unnamed military source. The development raises fresh concerns over the security of one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, especially as Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group has previously carried out attacks in the region.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a narrow maritime passage linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, lies between Yemen and the Horn of Africa nations of Djibouti and Eritrea, making it a key artery for global trade and energy supplies.

Read more: No permission required to sail through Strait of Hormuz, says govt official


This strait is one of the world’s most critical shipping chokepoints, carrying a significant share of global trade, including oil and gas shipments travelling between Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Why the Bab el-Mandeb Strait Matters for Global Trade

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait serves as a vital gateway for vessels heading towards the Suez Canal. Disruptions here can force ships to take the much longer route around the Cape of Good Hope in southern Africa, increasing costs and delivery times.

In recent years, the region has become a hotspot for attacks on commercial shipping, particularly by Yemen’s Houthis, making it a key area of concern for global maritime security.

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Lessons from the Red Sea Conflict

Western allies attempting to secure the Strait of Hormuz are now facing a stark reality shaped by their earlier experience in the Red Sea.

According to a Reuters report, efforts to protect shipping routes from Houthi attacks cost billions of dollars, saw four vessels sunk, and failed to fully restore confidence among global shipping companies. Many operators continue to avoid the route altogether.

Why the Strait of Hormuz is Critical

The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

Recent tensions involving Iran have led to disruptions in shipping, pushing oil prices sharply higher and raising concerns about global energy security.

As quoted by Reuters, Kuwait Petroleum CEO Sheikh Nawaf Saud Al-Sabah said: “There is no substitute for the Strait of Hormuz. It is the world’s strait, under international law and practical reality.”

Military Challenges in Securing the Strait

Experts told Reuters that defending the Strait of Hormuz is significantly more complex than operations in the Red Sea.

Unlike the Houthis, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is a well-equipped military force with access to advanced weaponry, including:

• Ballistic missiles
• Armed drones
• Floating sea mines
• Fast attack boats

Retired US Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, quoted by Reuters, noted: “Defending convoy operations in the Strait of Hormuz is significantly more challenging than in the Red Sea.”

Rising Risks for Global Shipping and Energy Prices

The ongoing disruption has already triggered a surge in oil prices, with analysts warning that shortages could worsen if the strait remains blocked.

According to Reuters, the situation represents one of the most severe disruptions to global energy supplies in recent history, with ripple effects on fuel, food and transport costs worldwide.

Members of the United Nations Security Council are currently discussing measures to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Some countries have proposed strong actions, including the possible use of force to ensure safe passage.

Meanwhile, the United States and its allies remain cautious, weighing the risks of escalation against the need to protect global trade routes.

A Long Road to Stability

Experts told Reuters that restoring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz could take months, requiring a combination of military escorts, mine-clearing operations and air surveillance.

Even then, the evolving threats posed by drones, missiles and unconventional tactics mean the region is likely to remain volatile.

As global attention shifts between the Bab el-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz, both chokepoints underline a growing reality: maritime security is now central to global economic stability.


Inputs from agencies