Iran Orders Houthi Rebels to Prepare Blocking Strategic Red Sea Oil Route Amid US Tensions

Iran has instructed the Houthi rebels in Yemen to prepare for blocking the vital oil supply route through the Red Sea, specifically the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, in response to potential US attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure. This directive was issued amid escalating tensions following US threats to strike Iranian power stations. According to Reuters, Tehran's leadership held discussions and conveyed the message to its Houthi allies, who have reportedly completed operational preparations, including deploying missiles and drones at strategic points overlooking the strait, awaiting orders to act.

The Red Sea has become a crucial conduit for crude oil shipments since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in February, currently handling about 7% of the world's energy supply and 70% of Saudi Arabia's energy exports via pipeline to the Yanbu port. Regional sources noted that disrupting this maritime corridor does not require advanced technology, as even small arms fire could halt shipping traffic. If executed, this move would simultaneously disrupt the two main Middle Eastern oil routes, likely causing a sharp rise in global energy prices and worsening the economic crisis.

The final decision on timing lies with Iranian Revolutionary Guard representatives stationed in Yemen. The Houthis recently broke a four-year ceasefire with Saudi Arabia, signaling new fronts opening in the region. Despite Iran's official denials of direct involvement in arming and training the Houthis, international observers emphasize close coordination between them. The US administration views this as part of Tehran's broader strategy to exert economic pressure on the West amid ongoing confrontations.

This development follows US President Donald Trump's consideration of military strikes on Iranian islands and nuclear facilities, prompting Iranian warnings that any attack would escalate the conflict to additional theaters. The breakdown of a temporary de-escalation agreement has led to renewed US naval blockades and continuous airstrikes targeting Iran's capabilities to threaten maritime traffic. The US Navy has actively enforced the blockade, including missile strikes on vessels violating warnings.

While Trump publicly and privately favors a diplomatic resolution, he has ordered his team to prepare operational plans to decisively address the standoff, given Iran's refusal to comply with demands regarding its uranium stockpiles.