# Yemen's Houthis Take Control of Key Red Sea Strait, Impacting Global Trade

*Yemen's Houthis have taken over the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial shipping corridor linking Europe and Asia, deepening the impact of the Middle East conflict on global commerce.*

September 12, 2026 · World

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis have seized control of the country's entire Red Sea coast and captured three strategic islands, including the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This vital shipping corridor links Europe and Asia and is a key route for global trade. The Houthis' advance is expected to exacerbate the Middle East war's impact on international commerce, following months of a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran.

## Strategic Importance of the Bab al-Mandab Strait

The Bab al-Mandab Strait is a narrow passage between Yemen and Djibouti, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. It is one of the world's most important shipping lanes, with an estimated 10% of global trade passing through it. The strait is particularly crucial for oil shipments, as it provides a shortcut for vessels traveling between the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean, avoiding the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope.

The Houthis' control of the strait and the surrounding islands, including Mayyun, Greater Hanish, and Lesser Hanish, significantly enhances their ability to disrupt Saudi Arabian oil shipments. Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, has increasingly relied on the Red Sea for its oil exports since Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

## Impact on Global Trade and Regional Tensions

The Houthis' takeover of the Bab al-Mandab Strait is likely to have far-reaching consequences for global trade. Oil prices have already soared past $100 a barrel this week, and average US diesel prices topped $6 for the first time on Friday. These price hikes could pose a significant challenge for US President Donald Trump ahead of midterm elections.

The capture of the strait also heightens regional tensions. Iran, which has been supporting the Houthis, congratulated them on their 'resounding victory.' The Houthis' military spokesman, Yahya Saree, declared that navigation through the Bab al-Mandab Strait was 'safe' for all but Saudi Arabia. The ongoing conflict risks reigniting a war that has already killed hundreds of thousands of Yemenis and sparked one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

The United Nations Security Council met to discuss the conflict, with Yemen envoy Hans Grundberg calling for 'the active investment of every member of this body to contain' what could become a more dangerous conflict. The international community is now faced with the challenge of managing the escalating tensions and their impact on global trade and regional stability.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/world/yemen-houthis-seize-red-sea-strait