Iran Shifts Pressure Point From Hormuz Strait to Bab el-Mandeb
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Senior Iranian officials reportedly believe the Strait of Hormuz is no longer an effective pressure point and are shifting focus to increasing support for Yemen's Houthi rebels to control the Bab el-Mandeb strait. This comes as Saudi Arabia and Yemeni forces launch an operation to counter Houthi advances near the strategic waterway.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Iran is shifting its strategic pressure point from Hormuz to Bab el-Mandeb.
- Senior IRGC officials admit Hormuz is no longer effective leverage.
- Tehran is increasing aid to Yemen's Houthis to control Bab el-Mandeb.
- This move is a response to Israeli and US support for Saudi Arabia.
- Saudi Arabia and Yemeni forces are conducting an operation against the Houthis.
Senior officials within Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have acknowledged in closed-door discussions that the Strait of Hormuz is no longer providing Iran with the desired leverage, according to intelligence. Tehran is now focusing its efforts southward, specifically on the Bab el-Mandeb strait, aiming to bolster the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Iran is reportedly increasing its aid to the Houthis and strengthening their ability to control the strategic Bab el-Mandeb waterway. This strategic shift is seen as a response to ongoing Israeli and American support for Saudi Arabia. The IRGC believes that if Hormuz is no longer an effective pressure point, Bab el-Mandeb can serve as the next leverage tool.
This development occurs against the backdrop of a significant military operation launched by Saudi Arabia and Yemeni government forces against the Houthis. The objective of this operation is to dislodge the Houthis from strategic areas near Bab el-Mandeb and regain control of the vital shipping lane. Yemeni forces, backed by Saudi air support, have reportedly captured positions in the Dhubab area adjacent to the strait.
The Saudi-led operation follows the Houthis' expansion of their influence around Bab el-Mandeb, including the seizure of territories along the Red Sea coast last month. This expansion gave the Houthis a foothold at the critical maritime passage. Saudi Arabia, through its Yemeni allies, is now attempting to push them out and prevent them from solidifying control over the strait.