The Guardians of the Revolution in Iran threaten to shut down “all other export corridors that the USA and its allies benefit from”, after they closed the Strait of Hormuz, and the USA reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
The situation is worrisome for the global economy. Although Iran did not specify which routes it was referring to, analysts say that Iran hinted it could call on its Houthi allies in Yemen to block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, writes news.ro. This is the gateway to the Red Sea, through which pass Saudi Arabia’s oil exports and a large part of global maritime transport.
Any prolonged disruption of maritime traffic in the Red Sea caused by the Houthi, including potential attacks on ships or ports, could pose a major problem and disrupt the transportation of goods, especially to Asian markets.
A high-ranking Houthi official warned on Monday that the group is prepared to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. If this happens, and Saudi Arabia fights with Yemen, the price of oil could reach up to 200 dollars per barrel, Iranian experts threaten.