Iran Blockades the Strait of Hormuz: Houthis Shut Down Bab el-Mandeb in 2026.

Escalation in the Persian Gulf Conflict

According to Слово і Діло — Інфографіка: In 2026, Iran announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a new wave of tensions between the United States and Iran. This declaration, made early in the year, sparked international alarm. In response, on February 28, 2026, the U.S. and Israel launched a joint military operation under the codenames 'Roaring Lion' and 'Epic Fury.' The operation resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, on March 1, 2026.

Blockade of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait

The Houthis, who have controlled western Yemen since the 1990s, also threatened to block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. They had previously attempted such a blockade in 2023–2024. On March 15, 2026, the Houthis signaled their intention to close off Bab el-Mandeb, and on July 20, 2026, they announced an actual blockade of this critical maritime route. The blockade took effect on July 23, 2026.

The global economic significance of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is underscored by a question from Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf:

“What share of global oil, LNG, wheat, rice, and fertilizer shipments passes through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait?”

“All of humanity and the jinn will not be able to open the strait then.”

As a result, the region remains highly volatile, and the events of 2026 could reshape the geopolitical landscape and disrupt international trade routes. The closure of vital waterways like the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait poses a serious risk to the global economy, as these passages are essential for transporting energy resources and goods. Given the heightened tensions between nations, further escalations could have profound consequences for regional stability and the international community as a whole.