Iran calls on Houthis to prepare to cut off Red Sea gateway — can the terror group do it?

2 articles

2 sources

0% diversity

Updated 16.7.2026

Key Topics & People

Red Sea *Bab al-Mandab Strait Houthis Nadwa Al-Dawsari Bab el-Mandeb

Coverage Framing

Conflict(2)

Avg Factuality:60%

Avg Sensationalism:Moderate

Story Timeline

Jul 16 Evening

1 articles|1 sources

red sea gatewaybab al-mandab straitiranhouthisglobal shipping disruption

Conflict(1)

Fox News - WorldJul 16

Iran calls on Houthis to prepare to cut off Red Sea gateway — can the terror group do it?

Iran has reportedly instructed Yemen's Houthi group to prepare to close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a critical Red Sea gateway, in retaliation for potential U.S. attacks on Iranian infrastructure. Experts warn that even if the Houthis cannot fully seal the waterway, their actions could significantly disrupt global shipping and raise costs. The Houthis have reportedly deployed missiles and drones near the strait and are awaiting orders. This potential escalation, coordinated through Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, could lead to wider conflict and further strain global supply chains, impacting approximately 7% of global energy supplies that transit the Bab al-Mandeb.

Mixed toneMixed3 sources

Negative

Key Claims

quote

The threat to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait could sharply disrupt global shipping, even if the Houthis cannot completely seal it.

— Nadwa Al-Dawsari (Middle East Institute)

quote

Iran has signaled that the Bab al-Mandab could become part of its response to US strikes on Iran.

— Nadwa Al-Dawsari (Middle East Institute)

factual

Iran reportedly instructed Yemen's Houthi terrorists to prepare to close a critical Red Sea gateway if the US attacks Iranian power infrastructure.

— Reuters

quote

A full resumption of Houthi maritime attacks could trigger wider fighting and result in US and Israeli strikes on Sana'a and Hodeida.

— Edmund Fitton-Brown (Foundation for Defense of Democracies)

factual

Missiles and drones have been deployed near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Houthis are awaiting orders to attack shipping.

— Source close to the Houthis

Jul 15 Morning

1 articles|1 sources

strait of hormuznaval blockadeexport corridorsenergy arteriesbab el-mandeb

Conflict(1)

South China Morning PostJul 15

Iran threatens to close more vital seaways as US renews blockade

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has threatened to close additional export corridors benefiting the US and its allies. This statement comes after Iran shut the Strait of Hormuz and the US reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports. The IRGC stated that regional energy exports are either shared by all or denied to all. Analysts suggest Iran may leverage its Houthi allies in Yemen to potentially close the Bab el-Mandeb gateway to the Red Sea. This action could place two crucial global energy routes at risk.

Mixed toneMixed1 source

Negative

Key Claims

quote

Iran's IRGC threatened to close 'all other export corridors that benefit the US and its allies'.

— Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

quote

'Regional energy exports are either shared by all, or denied to all,' stated the IRGC.

— Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

factual

Iran shut the Strait of Hormuz and the US reimposed a naval blockade of Iranian ports.

prediction

Iran may use its Houthi allies in Yemen to shut the Bab el-Mandeb gateway to the Red Sea.

— Analysts