Yemen’s internationally recognised government has accused the Houthi movement of working with Iran to establish a system that would charge commercial vessels for passing through the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
On Wednesday, Yemen’s Information Minister, Moammar al-Eryani, alleged that the Houthis were acting under Iranian direction to introduce the payment mechanism along one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes.
He described the alleged initiative as a serious escalation, warning that it was intended to turn a vital international shipping corridor into a permanent financial source for the Houthis’ military operations and militant activities.
According to Eryani, recently acquired intelligence indicates that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is actively supporting the project. He claimed the intelligence suggests that IRGC advisers and technical experts are directly involved in developing both the administrative and technical structure required for the proposed system.
The minister further alleged that the plan includes the creation of a dedicated authority responsible for collecting transit fees from commercial shipping companies and cargo vessels using the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The allegations have heightened concerns across Gulf countries that the Houthis may be attempting to replicate Iran’s approach in the Strait of Hormuz by generating revenue through control of another critical maritime chokepoint. Analysts warn that such a development could further disrupt global energy markets and international shipping.
Last week, the Houthis announced a maritime blockade targeting Saudi Arabia and later claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi oil tankers and energy infrastructure.
The reported blockade has raised concerns over Saudi Arabia’s ability to export millions of barrels of crude oil each day, particularly after Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz significantly restricted the kingdom’s alternative maritime export routes.
