Yemen Monitor/ Tehran/ Exclusive:
Two senior Iranian officials have hinted that Tehran may target the Bab al-Mandeb Strait via the Houthis if the United States escalates its warfare by targeting the Strait of Hormuz or Iranian territory.
These statements come at a time of escalating regional tensions, with intensified Houthi activity in the Red Sea corridor. By highlighting the role of Bab al-Mandeb in global shipments of oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and food, Tehran appears to be considering exercising its influence over another strategic choke point.
The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, suggested that Tehran might target the Bab al-Mandeb Strait—a vital global shipping lane—in light of the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Ali Akbar Velayati, former Foreign Minister and advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, warned that the “Resistance Front” could target the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea, which is another vital choke point for world trade.
“If the White House thinks of repeating its foolish mistakes, it will quickly realize that the flow of energy and global trade can be halted with a single signal,” Velayati said.
Approximately 12% of global trade passes through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which has previously been targeted by Houthi forces in Yemen loyal to Iran. Any disruption there would compound the impact of the near-total halt of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which has already caused sharp spikes in oil and gas prices.
These recent Iranian responses come as Trump set a Tuesday deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning of military escalation in the event of non-compliance.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Trump stated: “If they don’t comply, and if they want to keep it closed, they’re going to lose every power plant and every other facility they have in the entire country.”
Although the U.S. President also indicated the possibility of reaching a deal quickly, the tone of Iranian officials suggests a hardening of positions, as new demands and broader threats increase the risks of a long-term conflict.
