Archive · 23 Sep 2026
West Asia’s Twin Chokepoint Conflicts Threaten Global Trade
The article says two important sea routes near West Asia are being threatened by fighting.
One route is the Strait of Hormuz, where much oil and gas normally pass.
The other is the Bab el-Mandeb, which connects the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea.
The Houthis and Saudi Arabia are fighting near the second route.
Iran and the United States are also in conflict near the first route.
If ships cannot use these routes, they may need to travel around Africa, taking much longer.
Longer journeys can make fuel and other goods more expensive.
The article says peace efforts are happening, but an early solution appears unlikely.
The article warns that conflicts involving Iran, Saudi Arabia and the Houthis are converging into a regional crisis.
Houthi attacks and territorial gains are described as threatening shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The Strait of Hormuz remains under pressure amid the Iran-US confrontation and a reported naval blockade.
The combined disruptions threaten energy supplies, maritime trade, shipping costs and delivery times worldwide.
Iran has demanded sanctions relief, an end to attacks and blockades, and other conditions before resuming talks with the United States.
- Who
- The Houthis, Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United States and other regional and international actors are involved.
- What
- Conflicts and reported blockades around the Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz are threatening energy supplies and global maritime trade.
- When
- The article describes developments from July through September, including intensified fighting and blockade measures announced on September 21.
- Where
- The main locations are Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Iran, the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz.
- Why
- The conflicts are driven by fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces, and by the wider confrontation between Iran and the United States.
Iran and Houthi positions
United States and Saudi positions
Conditions for de-escalation
Iran and Houthi positions
Iran says talks require measures including the release of frozen assets, an end to attacks and blockades, and non-interference in its internal affairs.
United States and Saudi positions
The United States has applied military and economic pressure, while Saudi Arabia has conducted operations against Houthi-controlled areas and sought outside support.
Maritime security
Iran and Houthi positions
The Houthis and Iran are described as maintaining or threatening blockades and attacking ships connected to their adversaries.
United States and Saudi positions
Saudi Arabia and its partners seek to preserve navigation and protect shipping, with Saudi Arabia attempting to organize a multinational maritime defense effort.
Prospects for peace
Iran and Houthi positions
Iran says it is prepared for a decisive war but has also set conditions for renewed negotiations.
United States and Saudi positions
Regional and international actors are pursuing talks, but the article says military and economic pressure has so far failed to produce a settlement and that early peace prospects remain poor.
- Main concern
- A possible “double choke” affecting the Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz.
- Bab el-Mandeb trade share
- The article says the passage carries 10-12% of global maritime trade.
- Hormuz energy share
- The article says the Strait of Hormuz previously carried 20-25% of global energy trade annually.
- Shipping detour
- Rerouting around Africa can add 12-14 days to transit times.
- VLCC traffic
- S&P Global reportedly recorded no Very Large Crude Carrier transit through Bab el-Mandeb after September 9, compared with 24 in August and 63 in July.
- Iran’s conditions
- Iran reportedly seeks release of frozen assets, an end to attacks and the naval blockade, and non-interference in its internal affairs.
- Diplomatic efforts
- Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates are described as pursuing regional security arrangements and possible non-aggression measures.