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

Senior Yemeni officials are warning that the Houthi control over the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a vital global trade route, effectively signifies Iranian dominance and will facilitate Tehran's acquisition of weapons. In an interview with N12, former Houthi spokesperson Ali al-Bukhaiti and a senior Yemeni analyst highlighted the significant Iranian involvement in the Houthi takeover.

Al-Bukhaiti stated that Houthi control of the strait is akin to Iran controlling another strategic waterway, potentially allowing them to choke global trade and pressure the Trump administration into a deal favorable to Iran. He also suggested 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.

The Yemeni analyst corroborated the deep Iranian backing, asserting that the Houthis could not have seized the strait without it. He detailed Iranian support, including military aid from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, experts in Sanaa, and assistance with missile launches and military planning, all of which enabled the Houthis to threaten shipping and impose a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia.

Both officials emphasized that the strategic development is bad news for the global economy and should concern not only Saudi Arabia but also Israel. They believe the Houthis aim to become a regional power and extort transit fees from nations using the strait, which would provide substantial revenue and boost their military capabilities.

Al-Bukhaiti further expressed concern that Houthi control would gradually strengthen Iranian influence in the region, leading to a significant flow of Iranian weapons and experts to compensate for losses in the Strait of Hormuz. He anticipates that following the US midterm elections, the American president will act to resolve these issues, possibly through a diplomatic agreement or increased confrontation.