STANDARD ECONOMIC UNVERIFIED

Houthi official threatens closure of Bab al-Mandeb Strait over US policy

Apr 18, 2026 11:32 PM CT Bab al-Mandeb Strait, Yemen Houthis, Bab al-Mandeb, maritime security, economic warfare, US involvement

Summary

A senior Houthi official warned of potential closure of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a critical global shipping chokepoint, citing US obstruction of peace efforts. This threat represents an escalation in economic warfare tactics by the Iran-backed proxy group, aiming to leverage maritime disruption against US interests in the region. While currently a verbal warning, such rhetoric signals a willingness to expand the conflict's economic impact beyond direct military strikes.

Full Content

Houthi official says Bab al-Mandeb may be closed A senior official from Yemen’s Houthis warned that the group could close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait if US President Donald Trump continues what he described as obstructing peace. Hussein al-Ezzi, deputy foreign minister in Sanaa, wrote on X, “If Sana...

Sources (1)

T3 Middle East Eye

50% reliable Link

Actor Responses

Houthis NEUTRAL

Threatened to close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait if US President Donald Trump continues obstructing peace.

United States NEUTRAL

Cited by Houthi officials as obstructing peace, prompting the threat of maritime closure.

Related Events (1)

← PARALLEL TO 88% confidence

STANDARD IRGC declares Strait of Hormuz fully closed pending US blockade removal

"This event mirrors the threat made by Houthi officials in Event 6 to close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait over US policy. Both events demonstrate a coordinated or parallel strategy by Iran-aligned actors to leverage critical global shipping chokepoints against US interests."