Yemeni Foreign Minister Warns Bab al-Mandeb Proxy Control Threatens Global Trade Security

Foreign Minister Shaya al-Zindani warns that Iranian proxies in Yemen threaten the Bab al-Mandeb trade route, calling for global action to secure the Red Sea.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 17, 2026, 2:56 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Anadolu Agency

Strategic Vulnerabilities of the Bab al-Mandeb

Speaking on the sidelines of the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye, Foreign Minister Shaya al-Zindani highlighted the precarious nature of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a narrow waterway essential for global energy and cargo transit. Zindani stated that Yemen’s geostrategic position makes it the primary guardian of this passage, but warned that any disruption by non-state actors would have immediate repercussions for international navigation. He emphasized that the strait must remain under the sovereign control of the recognized Yemeni government to prevent it from becoming a theater for foreign geopolitical interests.

Accusations of Iranian Proxy Influence

The Foreign Minister specifically identified the Houthi militia as a proxy force for the Iranian regime, claiming that Tehran intends to use the group to exert pressure on global maritime traffic. Zindani cited recent rhetoric from Iranian officials regarding the potential closure of major waterways, suggesting that after the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab al-Mandeb is the next target for strategic blackmail. He argued that the Houthis are not independent domestic actors but are instead operating as a tactical tool for Iran to destabilize the Red Sea and threaten the safety of international commerce.

Rising Regional Tensions and Naval Blockades

Zindani’s warnings come amid a sharp escalation in regional hostilities, following a period of intense US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets that began in late February. Although a brief two-week ceasefire was brokered by Pakistan on April 8, subsequent direct talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement. The situation further deteriorated this week after US President Donald Trump announced a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which took effect on Monday. This heightened state of alert has increased fears in Aden that the conflict could spill over into Yemeni waters, further complicating the internal security landscape.