Bab el-Mandeb Strait faces growing threat as Houthi attacks raise fears of a second Hormuz

Escalating attacks by Iran-backed Houthis on shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have raised critical strategic questions about the waterway's future. Unlike the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran can directly threaten shipping from its own coastline, Tehran’s leverage over Bab el-Mandeb depends largely on its Houthi allies. The region faces unique security complexities due to Yemen's fractured political state and the presence of competing forces, making it difficult for the U.S. and its allies to address the threat through naval power alone. Reports indicate that four crew members were killed in a recent Houthi attack on the cargo ship Tihamah; if confirmed, these would be the first fatalities in Houthi shipping strikes since the current conflict began. Experts argue that naval presence is insufficient and that lasting security requires stability on the ground in Yemen. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, in cooperation with Turkey and Pakistan, is forming defense and maritime coalitions to protect freedom of navigation. The U.S. State Department has reaffirmed that safeguarding maritime commerce remains a top priority, stating it will continue working with international partners to deter Iranian-backed attacks and disrupt the flow of funds and weapons to the Houthis.