Houthi Rebels Consider Toll on Ships at Bab al-Mandab Strait Amid Regional Tensions

The Houthi movement in Yemen is reportedly considering imposing tolls on commercial vessels passing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, according to Reuters on Wednesday. This development comes about a week after the Houthis declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. Regional sources indicate the toll could apply to most ships transiting the strait, though no implementation date has been set.

Separately, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran rejected Oman's proposal for a joint regional management of the Strait of Hormuz, calling it unlikely to succeed. The official accused the US and Saudi Arabia of pressuring Oman to advance their "unrealistic plans" for the strait. Meanwhile, Politico reported that Britain and France are currently unwilling to join the Trump administration's initiative to form an international naval task force in the Strait of Hormuz. European sources cited frustration with the Trump administration's lack of prior consultation before recent strikes on Iran as a reason for their hesitation.

In related developments, after several quiet nights in the Gulf, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that Iran's Revolutionary Guards launched ballistic missiles at a US base in Jordan. The Guards also confirmed attacks on three oil tankers navigating a restricted route in the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, Saudi and US forces targeted pro-Iranian militias in eastern Iraq in response to over 30 drone attacks against US troops and Saudi energy infrastructure in the past 72 hours.

On the diplomatic front, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented new intelligence on developments at Mount Hermon to US President Donald Trump during their Washington meeting. Israeli officials noted a significant Iranian rehabilitation effort aided by foreign countries, with full details to be shared with the US soon. A US official acknowledged the issue is known internally.

Before meeting Netanyahu, Trump told Fox News that the US maintains control over the blockade and the straits, despite Iranian attempts to disrupt shipping with mines. He downplayed the Mount Hermon situation and expressed reluctance to attack Iranian infrastructure, citing concern for Iranian civilians. Trump warned Iran against breaking agreements, stating he could quickly destroy their bridges and power stations if necessary but prefers to avoid such actions.