Houthis Warn of Strait Closure Over Peace Obstacles

SANA, Yemen (AP) — The Houthi movement announced on Saturday it would close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait to international shipping if President Donald Trump continues to obstruct peace efforts in the region.

The threat, issued from the group’s stronghold in northern Yemen, targets one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. The strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and serves as a vital artery for global trade, with millions of barrels of oil and billions of dollars in goods passing through daily.

Houthi officials stated the decision is a direct response to what they describe as ongoing U.S. interference in regional diplomacy. They cited President Trump’s administration as the primary obstacle to resolving the conflict in Yemen, which has persisted for over a decade. The group warned that any further obstruction would trigger immediate closure of the waterway.

The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea, where Houthi-linked forces have previously targeted commercial vessels in support of the war in Gaza. The Bab al-Mandeb Strait has been a focal point of maritime security concerns, with international coalitions deploying naval assets to protect shipping lanes.

U.S. officials have not yet responded to the specific threat. The White House has previously criticized Houthi actions in the Red Sea as destabilizing and has called for an immediate end to attacks on commercial shipping. However, no official statement has been released addressing the potential closure of the strait.

Regional analysts note that closing the Bab al-Mandeb would have severe economic consequences. The strait handles approximately 3% of global trade, including a significant portion of Europe’s energy imports. A prolonged closure could disrupt supply chains, increase shipping costs, and strain diplomatic relations between major powers.

Yemen’s internationally recognized government, based in Aden, has condemned the Houthi threat. Officials in Aden called for international intervention to ensure the strait remains open. They emphasized that the Houthi movement lacks the authority to control the waterway unilaterally.

The Houthi announcement adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation. The group has long sought to expand its influence beyond Yemen’s borders, using control of strategic locations as leverage in negotiations.

As of Saturday evening, no ships had been diverted from the strait. However, maritime traffic monitoring systems showed increased naval activity in the area. International shipping companies are assessing the risk and may adjust routes if the threat materializes.

The situation remains fluid. It is unclear whether the Houthi movement will follow through on its warning or if diplomatic efforts will prevent the closure. The international community is watching closely as the deadline for the threat approaches.