By ABDULLAHI INUWA
Sanaa, Yemen — Tensions in the Red Sea escalated dramatically on Saturday as Yemen’s Houthi rebels issued a stark warning to the United States: stay out of any war against Iran—or face serious consequences.
In a televised address, senior Houthi military spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree declared that if Washington dares to join forces against Tehran, the Houthis will retaliate by blocking the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital maritime chokepoint linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. He also threatened direct strikes on U.S. naval vessels operating in the region.
“We will turn the Bab al-Mandab into a zone of fire if America aligns militarily with Israel or anyone against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Saree said, echoing past warnings but in a much graver tone.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait is one of the world’s most crucial shipping lanes, with nearly 10% of global trade passing through its narrow waters. Blocking the strait could cripple oil shipments, send global energy prices soaring, and throw international supply chains into disarray.
The announcement comes amid growing fears of a wider Middle East war, following days of intensified Israeli air raids on Iranian positions in Syria and rumors of imminent Western intervention. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have already placed their regional allies, including Hezbollah and the Houthis, on high alert.
Red Sea Flashpoint
The Houthis—backed by Iran—have already launched dozens of missile and drone attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea since late 2023, disrupting global trade and prompting U.S. and allied forces to deploy warships to secure the route. However, this latest threat marks a significant escalation, directly tying Houthi military action to any perceived American aggression against Iran.
U.S. officials have yet to issue a formal response, but Pentagon insiders told international media that the threats are being “taken seriously” and that contingency plans are in place.
“This is not just rhetoric. Any move to block Bab al-Mandab would be seen as an act of war,” a U.S. naval analyst said on condition of anonymity.
Regional Domino Effect
Security experts warn that a Houthi blockade could spark a chain reaction in the region, forcing Saudi Arabia and Egypt to respond militarily, potentially dragging the entire Red Sea coast into conflict.
“This is a high-stakes game,” said Dr. Lina Khoury, a Middle East strategist. “If the U.S. is pulled into direct conflict with Iran, the Houthis will serve as Iran’s southern claw, and Bab al-Mandab will be their first battleground.”
With Iran’s powerful allies already embedded across Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, the risk of a multi-front war looms large—raising the stakes for all players involved.
As warships cruise silently through the chokepoint tonight and oil tankers weigh the risk of delay versus danger, one thing is clear: the Red Sea is on the brink, and the world is watching.
About The Author
