Yemen’s government said on the 27th the Houthi movement may emulate Iran by
seeking control of the Bab al-Mandeb — another international energy transit
chokepoint — and that it is preparing for a possible escalation. The Houthis
responded that the Bab al-Mandeb is not closed and that recent maritime blockade
measures target only Saudi Arabia. Incoming Yemeni foreign minister Afra Zuba,
speaking at Yemen’s embassy in Riyadh, warned the Houthis’ actions could leave
Both the Bab al-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz disrupted.