Yemeni officials warn: "Houthi control of the strait is Iranian"

Yemeni officials warn in an interview with N12 that the Houthi takeover of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is effectively Iranian control, which would allow Iran to strangle the global economy, pressure the US, and facilitate the transfer of Iranian weapons to the Houthis. Experts emphasize that without the support of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, the Houthis would not have been able to seize the strategic strait.

Yemeni officials warn in a special interview with N12 that the Houthi takeover of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is effectively Iranian control, with severe global implications. Former Houthi spokesman Ali al-Bukhaiti said that Houthi control of the strait is Iranian control of another strait, which would allow Iran and the Houthis to strangle the global economy and pressure the Trump administration until it reaches an agreement favorable to them. A senior Yemeni commentator emphasized that Iranian support is very clear, and without the support of the Revolutionary Guards, Iranian experts in Sanaa, military capabilities, and assistance in missile launches, the Houthis could not have taken control of the strait. Al-Bukhaiti added that control of the strait will increase the Houthis' power against Israel and make it easier for them to obtain additional Iranian weapons and support from China, Russia, or other parties. According to him, in a future conflict between Iran and the US or between Israel and the Palestinians, the Houthis will rush to block the strait. It was also revealed that the organization intends to impose transit fees on ships crossing the strait, which will provide it with enormous revenues and increase its military capabilities. The Yemeni commentator clarified that the US should be concerned, as Houthi control will lead to the strengthening of Iranian influence in the region, as compensation for the loss Iran suffered in the Strait of Hormuz. Al-Bukhaiti estimated that after the US midterm elections, the American president will act to resolve the issue through a political agreement or by raising the level of confrontation.