Iran Eyes New Pressure Point in Yemen's Red Sea Chokepoint

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important oil routes, and Iran has already demonstrated its ability to disrupt shipping through this chokepoint. However, the US and its partners have found ways to mitigate the consequences, including redirecting oil shipments through alternative pipelines and emergency stock releases.

The situation may change dramatically if another war breaks out between Iran and the US. In addition to the pressure on Hormuz, a second potential pressure point has emerged in Yemen, where the Houthis have rapidly expanded their control along the Red Sea coast.

This gives Iran a second option to put pressure on the global energy system. If Iran asks the Houthis to temporarily close or severely disrupt the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, it could create a new wave of panic in energy markets, particularly if Hormuz is already operating at a fraction of its normal capacity.

The combination of disruptions would reinforce each other and make it much harder for Washington to contain the consequences. If this scenario unfolds, oil prices could push toward or even beyond their previous historical highs, making the energy consequences of another prolonged war much harder for the US and its allies to absorb.