Iran, after Hormuz, eyes on Bab el-Mandeb

The closure of the Strait of Bab al-Mandab it is “among the options” of the actions that he Houthi intend to implement in support ofIran. Other strategic hub from the world trade routeslike the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb connect the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and therefore with theIndian Ocean.

With a length of approximately 50 km and a width of 26 km at its narrowest point, it is one of the bottlenecks of the maritime traffic most delicate in the world. Located between Yemen and the Horn of Africa it’s one route of fundamental importance: about the 12% of world oil trade by sea it transits annually through this Strait. If theinstability would also spread to this area, the repercussions could extend to global energy markets.

The meaning of the name and the historical role

The name of the Strait, translatable as “Door of Tears“, alludes not too subtly to threats always connected to the passage through its waters. Bab el-Mandeb played a crucial role as a connecting point betweenAfrica and the Arabian Peninsula. It was included in the ancient trade routes Between Asia, Africa ed Europa. The British East India Company controlled the adjacent islands in the 19th century to establish sea ​​routes towards the Suez Canal.

The impact on global trade

Bab el-Mandeb also represents an important transit route for them merci between Asian continentl’Europa and the Mediterranean. If the passage came limited or blockedthe ships would be forced to circumnavigate thesouthern tip of Africawhich would increase the distance by thousands of kilometers, the travel times by several days and consequently the prices.

Connection with Suez and risk of shock

The Strait serves as southern entrance al Suez Canal. Any vessel moving betweenAsia el’Europa through the Red Sea is destined to pass by Bab el-Mandeb before entering the canal. With the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz – where the 20% of global oil shipments – an eventuality block at the same time this route would also cause one of the worst supply shock of the last decades.