Pro-Iranian Forces Seize Vital Oil Route, Exposing US Weakness in the Gulf

The Bab al-Mandab strait, located in Yemen, has become a crucial oil transport route as pro-Iranian forces take control of it. According to Izvestia, this strait is the second most important after the Strait of Hormuz, with up to 15% of global oil exports passing through it.

Ships traveling through the Suez Canal also pass along Yemen's coastline, making this route vital for international trade. The Houthis have attacked a strategic oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia, further disrupting oil supplies.

The US has been caught off guard in the region, as Pravda notes that Iran and its allies now control two key oil transport routes. This shift in dynamics could lead to a diplomatic victory for the Islamic Republic.

Der Standard explains that the Houthis officially frame their conflict with Saudi Arabia's internationally recognized government, which is supported by Riyadh. However, this government is weak due to internal divisions and external pressures.

Tygodnik Powszechny observes that the blockade exposes the weakness of American security guarantees in the Gulf, as Arab states feel that their investments in US-provided protection have not been effective.

Večernji list notes that Trump's attempt to shift blame for global diesel shortages away from the Iran conflict and towards Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure may not solve the problem.