Reuters reported on the 16th, citing sources, that Iran has informed Yemen's 'Houthi Movement' that if the United States attacks Iran's power network, the 'Houthi Movement' is to blockade the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
Three sources told Reuters that the Iranian leadership had discussed leveraging the 'Houthi Movement' to block the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and recently conveyed this request to the organization.
A source close to the 'Houthi Movement' stated that missiles and drones have already been deployed near the waterway, and the organization is awaiting orders to launch attacks against passing ships.
The 'Houthi Movement' has previously threatened multiple times to blockade the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
Experts warn that even if the 'Houthi Movement' cannot completely block this waterway, the threat may still seriously disrupt global shipping.
Middle East Institute expert Dossari said: 'This threat should be taken seriously. As tensions escalate recently and the US carries out strikes against Iran, Iran has sent a signal showing the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait could become part of its countermeasures.'
The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and serves as the 'throat' linking the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Indian Ocean. It is known as the 'waterway corridor' connecting the three continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa.