Yemeni Officials Warn Houthi Control of Bab al-Mandeb Strait Bolsters Iran

Senior Yemeni officials are warning that the Houthi group's control over the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a vital global shipping lane, effectively means Iranian control and will facilitate Tehran's acquisition of weapons. In an interview with N12, former Houthi spokesperson Ali al-Bukhaiti and a senior Yemeni analyst detailed the extent of Iranian involvement and the strategic implications of the Houthi takeover.

Al-Bukhaiti stated that Houthi control of the strait is akin to Iran controlling another strategic waterway, enabling them to pressure the global economy and potentially the Trump administration to reach a deal favorable to Iran. He also suggested that this control would enhance the Houthis' ability to confront Israel and acquire more Iranian weaponry, as well as support from other nations like China and Russia.

A senior Yemeni analyst, identified only as 'H', corroborated the significant Iranian backing, asserting that the Houthis could not have seized the strait without it. This support, he explained, includes military aid from Iran's Revolutionary Guard, Iranian experts in Sana'a, and assistance with missile launches and military planning, all aimed at threatening shipping and blockading Saudi Arabia.

Both officials emphasized that the Houthi objective extends beyond confronting Israel and the U.S. They aim to become a regional power by extorting transit fees from nations using the Bab al-Mandeb strait, which would generate substantial revenue and bolster their military capabilities. The analyst warned that U.S. concern is warranted, as Houthi control will gradually strengthen Iranian influence and lead to a significant flow of Iranian weapons and experts into the region, compensating for losses in the Strait of Hormuz.

Al-Bukhaiti speculated that following the U.S. midterm elections, the American president might act to resolve these issues through a diplomatic agreement or by escalating confrontation.