The Houthi “Red Sea Card”—How the War in Yemen Affects Global Energy Security

As clashes between Lebanon and Israel escalate, another key ally of Iran—Yemen’s Houthi armed forces—is becoming a crucial variable in regional developments. On the 9th, Houthi leader Abdul Malik Houthi said that Israel’s continued aggression against Lebanon could lead to the conflict being fully reignited.

The Houthi threat is mainly focused on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Abdul Malik said that efforts being made by all sides for political negotiations can only succeed if Israel stops its aggression against Lebanon and all members of the “axis of resistance,” and promises not to violate Iranian airspace again. “Israel must never be allowed to forcibly establish its ‘arbitrary incursions’ rules for this region.”

The Houthis also announced that they have “completely and finally prevented Israel and the United States from using the Red Sea for hostile military purposes.” Abdul Malik spoke via Al-Masirah TV, which is controlled by the Houthis, saying that the United States and Israel launched large-scale invasions and committed “crimes against humanity,” but failed to achieve their objectives. He said that even if this round of confrontation is temporarily paused under a future negotiation framework, it does not mean the conflict has ended, and it certainly does not mean the end of Israel’s threats—its continued aggression against Lebanon could lead to a full-scale restart of the conflict.

The Houthis’ actions will further escalate, and they may carry out unexpected moves depending on battlefield conditions. Are the shipping routes in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea safe? Houthi spokesperson and chief negotiator Mohammed Abdul A. Salam previously said that, at present, the shipping routes in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea are safe; the United States claims that the relevant waters are under threat is meant to mislead the world, with the aim of militarizing the Red Sea. The Houthis’ attacks are only directed at Israel-related targets.

But analysts generally believe that the Houthis hold a trump card—Bab el-Mandeb—that could send the United States into a full state of panic. This seemingly unremarkable waterway is a crucial global energy and trade corridor linking the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. About 12% of global trade volume is transported via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. If the Houthis were to block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on a large scale, it would deliver a severe blow to global supply chains.

Earlier, the Houthis had launched multiple ballistic missiles and drones at southern Israel, with targets including the Red Sea resort city of Eilat. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that they intercepted missiles and drones from Yemen.

It is worth noting that the Houthis’ statements are highly aligned with Iran’s position. Together, they form a key force of the “axis of resistance,” showing a unified stance on the issue of Lebanon. If Israel’s military operations in Lebanon continue to escalate, the Houthis are likely to take more aggressive action, including stepping up attacks toward the Red Sea. This is undoubtedly adding insult to injury for the global energy market already under pressure due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
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