Bab al-Mandab
Coverage of Bab al-Mandab in the Nexus archive.
- The Atlantic Brief: The Strait of Hormuz and the Future of Free Navigation
In February 2026, the United States and Israel initiated a war against Iran in the Middle East, leading to ongoing conflict, a fragile ceasefire, and the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz. Open hostilities resumed in July 2026, while the Houthis in Yemen have threatened Saudi shipping through Bab al-Mandab. A webinar by War on the Rocks and the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) discusses the implications for free navigation.
- Houthi attacks threaten to cut off Saudi Arabia’s oil lifeline
Houthi attacks threaten to disrupt Saudi Arabia’s oil lifeline, causing Asian refiners to face potential delays as tankers avoid the Bab al-Mandab route.
- Iran says 'new security belt' will stretch across key sea routes
Iran's Quds Force commander Ismail Qaani announced a 'new security belt' of allied forces across critical maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, warning the US and Israel of a unified response to further attacks. The statement links the alignment to counter Israeli and US military actions, emphasizing the threat to regional stability and global shipping.