Tensions Escalate: Houthis Discuss Joint Oil Route Blockade Plan with Iran

The Houthi government has revealed it is discussing a joint action plan with Iran to close access to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait for countries deemed enemies. This strategic move along a key global trade route follows the escalation of conflict between the United States, Israel, and the Resistance Axis.

Houthi Deputy Information Minister Mohammed Mansour warned of the fatal impact if his group blocks the Bab al-Mandeb Strait off Yemen’s coast. The blockade of this narrow strategic route is claimed to stop global oil distribution and cripple the economies of Western countries.

“This still needs to be decided. We are still discussing the joint action plan with our Iranian brothers. The most important thing is to make it clear to our enemies that we will never surrender,” Mansour told the Italian news portal InsideOver on Monday (30/3).

Mansour added that Europe needs to understand that if they continue to oppose the Resistance Axis, the Houthis could raise oil prices to $200 per barrel, potentially choking Europe’s economy.

The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is a vital route for global trade and oil distribution. Tensions related to Iran make the area vulnerable to disruption by Iranian-allied groups, including the Houthis, increasing threats to the oil trade route.

This regional conflict has been worsened by US and Israeli attacks on targets in Iran at the end of February, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran retaliated by striking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East, which then led to a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the main shipping route for oil and liquefied natural gas from Persian Gulf countries to global markets.

These blockades and tensions directly impact oil exports and production in the region, causing fuel prices to surge in various countries.