Yemen's Houthi administration has warned that the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait could be shut if US President Donald Trump and what it called the "complicit world" do not end "all practices and policies that obstruct peace," as tensions escalate around multiple maritime chokepoints.
In a post on X, Houthi Deputy Foreign Minister Hussein al-Ezzi said: "If Sana'a decides to close the Bab al-Mandab, then all of mankind and jinn will be utterly powerless to open it."
بقوة الله 👈 إذا قررت صنعاء إغلاق باب المندب فإن كل الإنس والجن سيكونون عاجزين تماماً عن فتحه ، ولذلك من الأفضل لترامب - والعالم المتواطيء - الإنهاء الفوري لكل الممارسات والسياسات المعيقة للسلام ، وإظهار الإحترام المطلوب لحقوق شعبنا وأمتنا .— حسين العزي (@hussinalezzi5) April 18, 2026
He added: "And therefore, it is best for Trump—and the complicit world—to immediately end all practices and policies that obstruct peace, and to show the respect required for the rights of our people and nation."
Strategic chokepoint
The Bab al-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and serves as a vital maritime passage for ships heading to and from the Suez Canal. At its narrowest point, the strait is just 29 kilometers (18 miles) wide, leaving only two narrow channels for inbound and outbound traffic.
It is one of the world's busiest routes for seaborne commodity shipments, particularly crude oil and refined fuels moving from the Gulf to European markets, as well as Russian oil shipments destined for Asia, according to Al Jazeera.
Yemen government warns of proxy threats
Yemen's Foreign Minister Shaya al-Zindani separately cautioned that any attempt by proxy forces backed by foreign powers to take control of the Bab al-Mandeb would endanger international security. Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, he said instability in the Red Sea would directly harm global trade and navigation.
He accused the Houthis of acting as a tool for Iran to threaten the strait. "We have heard that the Iranian regime is recently threatening, after the Strait of Hormuz, to also close Bab al-Mandeb," he said.
Trump endorses Israel as 'great ally'
Meanwhile, President Trump issued a robust endorsement of Israel, characterizing the nation as a premier strategic partner. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump said Israel has "proven to be a GREAT Ally of the United States of America," lauding the country as "courageous, bold, loyal, and smart."
He added that Israel, "unlike others that have shown their true colours in a moment of conflict and stress," demonstrates a formidable combat spirit and "knows how to WIN."
Iran closes Strait of Hormuz, gaps remain in talks
The situation has been further complicated by Iran's decision to reimpose closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy announced the closure, citing the US decision to uphold a blockade of Iranian ports in what Tehran claims is a violation of the ceasefire.
Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, said recent talks with the US had made progress but gaps remained over nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz. Trump cited "very good conversations" but gave no other details.
No date has been set for the next round of negotiations, and there were no signs of new talks in Islamabad on Saturday. Senior national security aides gathered at the White House as the ceasefire is set to expire on Wednesday.
Vessels report gunfire, India summons Iranian envoy
Concern mounted after at least two vessels reported being attacked while trying to transit the Strait of Hormuz. India summoned the Iranian ambassador in New Delhi and expressed deep concern that two Indian-flagged ships had come under fire.
Shipping sources said hundreds of vessels and about 20,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Gulf awaiting passage.
