US-Iran-Israel War Day 36 Update: As tensions escalate in the Middle East, attention is shifting from the Strait of Hormuz to another strategic maritime chokepoint as the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.Recent statements by Iran have raised fears that disruptions may occur not only in the Persian Gulf but also in other important regions and posing a risk to energy transportation.
US-Iran-Israel War Day 36 Update: Strait of Hormuz Blockade & Growing Maritime Pressure
The Strait of Hormuz is the conduit for nearly 20% of total global oil demand and one of the most important oil transport channels globally. As tensions between Iran and other countries have escalated since the latter part of February, shipping has been affected, tightening crude supplies and increasing the cost of marine cargo insurance.
US-Iran-Israel War Day 36 Update: Iran Eyeing Bab el-Mandeb Strait After Hormuz?
The statements made by the speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, have created concerns regarding the world’s reliance on Bab el-Mandeb and the statements indicate that Tehran may be considering other strategic locations for the world’s commerce sector.
US-Iran-Israel War Day 36 Update: The Viral Warning That Raised Global Concerns
Ghalibaf raised doubts about the proportion of the world’s crude oil, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), grain and fertilizer that passes through Bab el Mandeb straits. These statements were soon noticed by the whole world since the policy makers and market considered them as a strategic statement.
US-Iran-Israel War Day 36 Update: What Makes Bab el-Mandeb Strategically Important
Bab el-Mandeb is the link between Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and acts as the access point for the Suez Canal with approximately 6.2 million barrels of crude petroleum daily pass through this waterway and moreover, about 12% of world commerce passes through the route in the Red Sea, which is important for the Europe-Asia business.
US-Iran-Israel War Day 36 Update: Role of Regional Allies & Security Risks
The Houthi fighters of Yemen, who usually act in coordination with the interests of Iran in the region, have used both drones and missiles in attacks on ships in the Red Sea region before. In 2023-2024, there was a drop of more than 30% in traffic in the Red Sea.
US-Iran-Israel War Day 36 Update: Economic Consequences of a Second Chokepoint Disruption
With Bab el-Mandeb becoming disrupted along with Hormuz, there would be a double supply shock to global markets and oil prices could rise rapidly, but shipping problems would add to the costs of food, fuel and other goods.
US-Iran-Israel War Day 36 Update: Military Escalation & Strategic Signalling
The recent military posturing and retaliatory actions by Iran reflect the adoption of a grand strategic approach by stressing the weaknesses within international sea corridors and Iran is demonstrating its capability to impact international commerce.
US-Iran-Israel War Day 36 Update: Global Market & Energy Implications
The market is still nervous about geopolitical threats where as oil prices have witnessed volatility and investors have stated that any credible threat to Bab el-Mandeb will make crude prices move upward and add to inflationary pressure.
What If Bab el-Mandeb Shuts?
Shutdown may necessitate that vessels navigate via the Cape of Good Hope route and thereby extending their travel duration by between 10 to 15 days with a substantial increase in the cost of transporting goods.
FAQ’s: All About Bab el-Mandeb
Q: Where is Bab el-Mandeb located?
A: It connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden between Yemen and Djibouti.
Q: How much oil passes through Bab el-Mandeb?
A: Around 6 million barrels of oil daily transit through the strait.
Q: Why is it called the ‘Gate of Tears’?
A: The name comes from dangerous navigation conditions and historical shipwrecks.
Q: Why is the strait important globally?
A: It connects Asia, Europe and Africa trade routes via the Suez Canal.
Q: What happens if the strait is blocked?
A: Shipping delays, higher oil prices and global inflation risks may increase.
