A potential closure of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait by Iran could trigger a severe disruption to global energy supplies, blocking approximately a quarter of the world's energy resources if combined with a shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategic waterway serves as a critical artery for oil and gas shipments from the Middle East to international markets.
Such a move would force shipping companies to reroute vessels around the southern tip of Africa, significantly increasing transit times and costs while straining global supply chains. The economic impact would ripple across continents, affecting everything from fuel prices to manufacturing operations worldwide.
Analysts warn that any prolonged closure could destabilize energy markets already grappling with geopolitical tensions and fluctuating demand patterns. The situation underscores the fragile nature of global trade routes that depend on a handful of narrow maritime passages.