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With tension building up between Iran and the United States and Israel, a stern warning has been issued by the Iranian government; they are ready to disrupt or even seize the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in case it is attacked on its territory or on their major islands such as Kharg. This is a small strait that links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and accommodates a huge amount of world shipping stock, which includes a huge amount of oil and freight heading to the Suez Canal.

The danger lies in the fact that the Strait of Hormuz is already being limited, which will only intensify the interruptions to one-fifth of the global oil reserves. The Iranian media with military sources mentioned that the Iranian-supported Houthis in Yemen are prepared to facilitate any operation against the ships in the region. Analysts would caution that when the oil route to the global market is blocked in Bab el-Mandeb, oil prices may skyrocket and lead to an even greater overall impact to the global economy. The action has indicated the move of Iran to launch new front wars in the conflict, and this provides the backdrop for a larger maritime plunge in vital oceanic routes. Governments and international shipping companies are keeping a close eye on the situation in case there is rerouting and an increase in security threats.